AIR TRACTOR AT-502B
Matthews, MO — August 22, 2011
Event Information
| Date | August 22, 2011 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | CEN11CA589 |
| Event ID | 20110823X53038 |
| Location | Matthews, MO |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 36.73722, -89.58639 |
| Airport | Private Airstrip |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | AIR TRACTOR |
| Model | AT-502B |
| 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 maintain control of the airplane during takeoff.
Full Narrative
The pilot of the aerial application flight reported that the airplane was loaded with 300 gallons of chemical and 100 gallons of fuel. He stated that all of the instrument readings were good when he powered the airplane up for takeoff. He stated that after liftoff, while in ground effect, a wind shear caused the right wing of the airplane to drop, and the airplane struck a ditch. The recorded wind speed at an airport located 27 miles from the accident site was 7 knots. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed the fuselage was buckled, and the right wing was bent aft. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures 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.