Pilot Debrief

AIR TRACTOR INC AT-502B near Campbell, NE — 2013-06-23

Final reportCEN13LA371
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Date
2013-06-23
Location
Campbell, NE, USA
Airport
PVT
Aircraft
AIR TRACTOR INC AT-502B
Registration
N6017E
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to continue with the takeoff roll despite the airplane's difficulty becoming airborne The high-density altitude likely contributed to the airplane's reduced performance.

NTSB narrative

Before takeoff, the airplane's hopper was about one-third full, and the fuel tanks were half full. During the takeoff roll, the airplane did not become airborne when it reached the expected point of rotation. The pilot scanned the gauges, verified full power, and increased the flaps. The airplane briefly became airborne, but then it settled to the ground. The airplane impacted a fence and rotated 180 degrees before coming to a complete stop, which resulted in substantial damage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical anomalies with the airplane. Meteorological data indicated that the density altitude was about 4,100 feet. The high-density altitude likely contributed to the airplane's reduced performance.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have retracted flaps to comply with takeoff performance guidelines.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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