NTSB CEN24LA261 — 2024-07-12 · Decatur, Illinois, United States

Current FAA registration · N528JC

Make / Model: AIR TRACTOR INC AT-602
Engine: P&W CANADA PT6A-65AG (1300 hp)
Seats / Engines: 2 seats · 1 engine
Last airworthiness date: 19990210
ADS-B equipped: Yes — Mode-S A6A771

Source: FAA Aircraft Registry (releasable master file).

Aircraft involved

N528JC Air Tractor AT602 None

Probable cause & findings

The pilot’s inability to maintain directional control during the landing roll due to the malfunction of the tail wheel locking mechanism.

Factual narrative

The pilot reported that the tailwheel became unlocked on landing. The airplane drifted to the left, exited the runway, and ground looped which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing. A post-accident examination revealed that the tailwheel lock pin was not engaged, although the cockpit handle was in the locked position. The cable was continuous from the cockpit handle to the locking mechanism, however, multiple attempts to move the tailwheel locking pin by manipulating the handle were unsuccessful. The pin became unstuck when it was assisted into position using a striking tool. Subsequent attempts to lock the tailwheel from the cockpit were successful and the mechanism functioned normally. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

— Aircraft-Aircraft systems-Landing gear system-(general)-Malfunction
— Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Attain/maintain not possible

Verbatim from NTSB's published report. Source file NTSB_2024_CEN24LA261.txt. Findings + structured fields enriched from FAA avall.mdb. Full investigation docket on data.ntsb.gov ↗.

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