AIR TRACTOR INC AT-502B

Full Narrative

On July 7, 2026, about 1259 mountain daylight time, an Air Tractor, Inc. AT-502B airplane, N647LA, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Ogden, Utah. The commercial pilot was not injured. The flight was conducted as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 aerial application flight.

The pilot reported that before takeoff, the left brake felt less effective than normal. He performed a brake check and subsequently departed to conduct a mosquito spray operation. During the takeoff roll, the pilot felt an abnormal flutter in the left brake pedal and considered aborting the takeoff. However, given the airplane’s weight, speed and position on the runway, he determined that continuing the takeoff presented less risk than attempting to stop. After departure, he sent a text message to company maintenance personnel advising that he suspected a problem with the left brake and that it would require inspection.

Upon returning to the airport he performed a wheel landing, during which the main landing gear contacted the runway before the tailwheel. After the tailwheel settled onto the runway, the airplane began veering to the right. The pilot applied full left rudder, followed by left brake; however, the airplane continued to veer right. He then applied reverse engine thrust to further slow the airplane’s speed. The left main landing gear subsequently collapsed, and the airplane rotated about 180° to the right, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage, left wing, and left aileron. The airplane then exited the runway and came to rest near the right side runway edge.

Postaccident examination of the left main gear assembly revealed that the wheel hub grease cap, cotter pin, wheel nut and outer wheel bearing were missing from the left wheel axle assembly. The outer face of the wheel exhibited impact gouges, and the brake components had a dark, wet appearance. The backing plate attached to the main landing gear spring exhibited a crack that ran the length of the plate. A search of the airport grounds did not locate the missing components.

The left main landing gear assembly was retained for further examination.