Air Tractor AT802
Fisher, AR — May 27, 2019
Event Information
| Date | May 27, 2019 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA19CA289 |
| Event ID | 20190529X23833 |
| Location | Fisher, AR |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 35.50361, -91.00667 |
| Airport | Whirlwind Aviation |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | Air Tractor |
| Model | AT802 |
| 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 |
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with a ditch.
Full Narrative
The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that, after filling the hopper with fertilizer (urea), during the takeoff roll to the north, he "encountered a gust of wind from the southwest." The airplane veered left, exited the airstrip to the left, and impacted a ditch. The pilot reported that the wind was 225 º at 20 knots, gusting up to 25 knots. The airplane departed to the north.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right 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.