Pilot Debrief

AIR TRACTOR INC AT-502B near Reydell, AR — 2009-07-10

Final reportCEN09CA428
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Date
2009-07-10
Location
Reydell, AR, USA
Aircraft
AIR TRACTOR INC AT-502B
Registration
N60023
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's inability to maintain control of the airplane when it unexpectedly encountered a whirlwind shortly after takeoff.

NTSB narrative

The pilot took off from a private strip on an aerial application flight. While climbing away from the runway the airplane began a left turning tendency. The pilot suspected the airplane encountered a whirlwind and attempted to maintain control of the airplane. When the airplane entered a "dead air space" the airplane was approximately 5 to 10 feet above the ground. The airplane subsequently collided with terrain and came to a stop in the upright position. Substantial damage was sustained to both wings. An inspection of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector did not reveal any pre-impact anomalies.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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