Pilot Debrief

AIR TRACTOR INC AT-502B near Hollandale, MS — 2012-03-07

Final reportERA12CA216
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Date
2012-03-07
Location
Hollandale, MS, USA
Airport
14M
Aircraft
AIR TRACTOR INC AT-502B
Registration
N9148C
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while taxiing in gusty wind conditions.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he was taxiing the tailwheel-equipped agricultural application airplane for takeoff when the airplane encountered a left quartering tailwind gust, and the pilot was unable to maintain directional control. The airplane veered left and departed the left side of the runway. The tailwheel block attaching bolts failed and the tailwheel spring impacted the ground, stopping the airplane's lateral rotation, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage just forward of the vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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