Pilot Debrief

Air Tractor AT502 near Bunkie, LA — 2020-05-23

Final reportCEN20CA190
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Date
2020-05-23
Location
Bunkie, LA, USA
Airport
2LA4
Aircraft
Air Tractor AT502
Registration
N571LA
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that during takeoff, when he pushed the control stick forward to raise the tail of the airplane, the airplane went to the left. He tried to correct back to the right but was unsuccessful. In an effort to prevent an accident, he decided to attempt the takeoff and became airborne briefly before the wheels impacted the sugarcane field. The airplane nosed over and sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and rudder. He stated that he was wearing a helmet and only received minor injuries during the accident. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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