Pilot Debrief

Air Tractor AT502 near Hiawatha, KS — 2020-06-08

Final reportCEN20CA221
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Date
2020-06-08
Location
Hiawatha, KS, USA
Airport
K87
Aircraft
Air Tractor AT502
Registration
N5092J
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s decision to attempt the takeoff with a tailwind in high density altitude conditions.

NTSB narrative

Prior to the aerial application flight, the airplane was loaded with about 3,400 pounds (lbs) of dry fertilizer and contained about 140 gallons of fuel. The airplane’s estimated weight at the time of the accident was 9,000 lbs, with a maximum gross weight of 9,400 lbs. The pilot reported the temperature was about 95° F, the wind was from 150°; about 6 knots, and runway 35 was rough with tall grass. The calculated density altitude was about 3,900 ft. During the takeoff, the pilot attempted to rotate; however, "the aircraft was not ready to fly." The airplane impacted a field about 500 ft north of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the forward fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot's recommendation to prevent the accident was "carry lighter loads, less fuel on hot days."

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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