Air Tractor INC AT 502B accident near Monroe, Nebraska, August 27, 2015
On August 27, 2015 at about 5:00 pm local time, a 1995 Air Tractor INC AT 502B, registered N61267, was substantially damaged in an accident during maneuvering (low-alt flying) near Monroe, Nebraska. It was an aerial application (crop spraying) flight under agricultural flying rules (Part 137). 1 person had minor injuries. The weather was visual conditions (good weather).
The NTSB's probable cause their words, unchanged
Loss of propeller thrust for reasons that could not be determined, since examination of the airplane's engine, propeller, and associated accessories revealed no anomalies.
Source: NTSB aviation accident database, copy made October 5, 2026. Docket and reports at the NTSB.
What the record shows
- Date
- August 27, 2015 · about 5:00 pm local time
- Place
- Monroe, Nebraska · map
- Type
- Accident
- Injuries
- 1 person had minor injuries.
- Weather
- visual conditions (good weather)
- Aircraft
- Air Tractor INC AT 502B, built 1995 · all AT 502Bs on the register
- Registration
- N61267 · no longer on the register · serial 502B-0303
- Damage
- Substantial damage
- Flight
- Aerial application (crop spraying) flight · agricultural flying rules (Part 137)
The NTSB's narrative final · quoted from the NTSB record
The commercial pilot was performing an aerial application flight when the airplane experienced a partial loss of engine power. The engine instruments showed that the engine was operating, but was producing less than idle power. The pilot applied full throttle with no effect. He subsequently turned the airplane into the wind, lowered the flaps, and when he heard corn hitting the bottom of the airplane, pulled the control stick full aft to stall the airplane. The left wing dropped and the airplane turned 90° as it impacted the ground. The engine continued to run until the pilot shut it down and exited the airplane. An examination of the airplane's engine, propeller governor, fuel control unit, and fuel pump revealed no anomalies. An engine data recorder showed an exceedance of the N1 upper limit, followed by a decrease in internal turbine temperature, N1, and propeller rpm, consistent with a lower output by the engine. The data were reviewed by the engine manufacturer, who concluded that the data were consistent with a feathered propeller; however, the reason for the propeller feathering could not be determined based on the available information.
The complete narrative as the NTSB published it. The NTSB's docket holds the report as a PDF and any photographs, statements and other documents from the investigation.
The factual record from the NTSB's investigation tables, in plain English
What happened, in order
- Loss of engine power (partial) during maneuvering (low-alt flying) defining event
- Off-field or emergency landing during maneuvering (low-alt flying)
- Collision with terrain or object (not controlled flight into terrain) during landing
- Landing gear collapse during landing
The NTSB's findings
- cause Not determined › Not determined › (general) › (general) › Unknown/Not determined
Pilot
- Certificate: commercial pilot
- Ratings: single-engine land
- Flight time: 1,400 hours in all; 970 in this make and model
- Medical certificate: Class 2 (with waivers/limitations)
- Seat: sngl
- Injury: no injuries
The aircraft
- Last inspection: annual inspection, November 17, 2014; 311 hours since
- Maximum gross weight: 9,400 lb
- Seats: 1
- Landing gear: fixed
- Engine: Walter M601E11 (turboprop); 0 hours total
- Operator: Red Willow Aviation Spraying INC
The flight
- Departed from: 97Y Genoa NE
- Destination: 97Y Genoa NE
- Flight plan: none
Weather at the time
- Light: daylight
- Wind: from 120° at 9 knots, gusting 14
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Sky: clear
- Temperature: 75°F (24°C), dew point 64°F (18°C)
- Altimeter: 29.97 inHg
- Observation at 4:55 pm from KOLU, 14 miles away
Injuries
| Fatal | Serious | Minor | None | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight crew | 1 |
Documents from the investigation the NTSB's docket: the evidence folder behind the report
11 documents, released by the NTSB on August 30, 2018. View them here, or download them; the NTSB redacts some personal details before release, and this site shows the NTSB's own titles rather than its file names.
| # | Document | What it is | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Turbine Engine Monitor and Limiter Factual Report | PDF, 6 pages | View Download |
| 2 | Turbine Engine Monitor and Limiter Factual Report - Attachment 1 | data file | Download |
| 3 | Pilot/operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 | PDF, 11 pages | View Download |
| 4 | Pilot's Statement | PDF, 1 page | View Download |
| 5 | Investigator's Memorandum of Engine Componenet Examinations Summary | PDF, 1 page | View Download |
| 6 | Weather Summary, Columbus, Nebraska | PDF, 1 page | View Download |
| 7 | Fuel Quality Tests Summary | PDF, 1 page | View Download |
| 8 | Statement of Party Representatives to NTSB Investigation, Air Tractor | PDF, 1 page | View Download |
| 9 | Statement of Party Representatives to NTSB Investigation, Ge Engines | PDF, 1 page | View Download |
| 10 | Release of Aircraft Wreckage, NTSB Form 6120.15 | PDF, 1 page | View Download |
| 11 | Air Tractor Airframe Report | PDF, 6 pages | View Download |
The same docket at the NTSB · documents without a copy here are fetched from the NTSB when you open them.
Other NTSB records under N61267 the same tail number, which may have belonged to a different aircraft at the time
Everything on this page comes from the NTSB's public records. The narrative, probable cause and findings are the NTSB's own words; the coded tables behind the report are written out in plain English, with pilots' ages, home towns and medical details left out. The documents and photographs are the NTSB's docket, shown as the NTSB released them. This site's own text never names anyone involved. A preliminary report can change; the final report usually follows one to two years later, and the page is refreshed when it does.