AIR TRACTOR INC AT 802
Prosser, WA — June 5, 2017
Event Information
| Date | June 5, 2017 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA17CA323 |
| Event ID | 20170605X02133 |
| Location | Prosser, WA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 46.11361, -119.51472 |
| Airport | Sun Heaven Airstrip |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | AIR TRACTOR INC |
| Model | AT 802 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 137 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot’s abrupt maneuver to avoid hay bales during the takeoff roll, which resulted in a loss of directional control.
Full Narrative
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during an aerial application flight, approximately 800 ft. into the takeoff roll on a gravel airstrip, he veered the airplane to the right to avoid hay bales that were stacked on the left side of the runway. He added that as the airplane veered right, the right-wing spray boom encountered tall wheat, and the airplane exited the right side of the runway. Subsequently, the airplane came to rest nose down.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.