Pilot Debrief

Air Tractor Inc. AT-502 near Shannon, IL — 2013-07-20

Final reportCEN13LA426
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Date
2013-07-20
Location
Shannon, IL, USA
Airport
2IL0
Aircraft
Air Tractor Inc. AT-502
Registration
N502MH
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot’s inability to maintain an adequate climb rate after encountering a sudden wind shift during takeoff.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he had completed three uneventful aerial application flights on the day of the accident; however, shortly after lifting off for the fourth flight, the airplane encountered a sudden wind shear and was unable to climb out of ground effect. The airplane descended from an altitude of 10-12 feet above the ground into the corn crop located off the end of runway. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. A review of available wind data indicated that calm wind conditions prevailed throughout the morning; however, a shift to a northwest wind occurred about the time of the accident, which would have resulted in a tailwind and a reduced climb gradient.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff after encountering the sudden gust.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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