Air Tractor AT502

Full Narrative

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during takeoff with a "heavy load" from a 2,600 ft private runway, the airplane lifted off, but "due to a shifting wind and high density altitude" the airplane aerodynamically stalled and impacted a field at the end of the runway. The airplane nosed over and was consumed by a postimpact fire.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The pilot reported that the gross weight of the airplane at the time of the accident was 9,350 pounds, and the manufacturer's maximum gross takeoff weight was 9,400 pounds.

The automated weather observation station, located 6 miles north of the accident, reported that, about 37 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 190° at 10 knots, 10 statute miles visibility, scattered clouds at 5,000 ft, temperature 90°, dew point 70°, altimeter setting 30.04" Hg. The same automated station reported that, about 22 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 040° at 6 knots. The calculated density altitude was 2,189 ft. The airplane was departing on runway 12.