AIR TRACTOR AT301
Circle, MT — June 24, 2011
Event Information
| Date | June 24, 2011 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | WPR11CA286 |
| Event ID | 20110624X75815 |
| Location | Circle, MT |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 47.42222, -105.56695 |
| Airport | Circle Town Airport |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | AIR TRACTOR |
| Model | AT301 |
| 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 failure to attain and maintain an adequate airspeed during initial climb.
Full Narrative
The pilot stated that he loaded the hopper of the airplane with chemicals for an agricultural flight and proceeded to depart on runway 30. During the climb out, at approximately 50 feet above ground level (agl), the pilot noticed a tailwind from the southwest and at 60 feet agl noticed that his climb rate had diminished. The pilot attempted to initiate a forced landing in the wash across a main road. On touchdown the main landing gear broke off and the airplane proceeded inside a gully where the wings sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported no mechanical issues or malfunctions that would have precluded normal flight. At the time of the accident, the density altitude was approximately 3,600 ft.
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.