AIR TRACTOR INC AT-602 near Plains, KS — 2023-07-21

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain control during takeoff from a water-contaminated runway.

NTSB narrative

Prior to flight, the pilot noted that rain had made the turf airstrip too wet to conduct aerial application flights. The middle of the airstrip had standing water, but the edges of the runway had fewer areas of water. The pilot took off at a reduced weight, without an aerial load, to fly to another location. During the takeoff, the airplane contacted the water on the runway, and the pilot lost control. The airplane subsequently veered off the runway resulting in the wing’s spray booms getting entangled in high weeds. The airplane spun and came to rest. Substantial damage was sustained to the left wing and empennage.

NTSB coding

• Loss of control on ground · Takeoff

Evidence available

• Photos
• 2 docket documents

Docket documents2

• PILOT'S STATEMENTinterview
• INVESTIGATIVE PHOTOphotos

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