Pilot Debrief

AIR TRACTOR INC AT-502 near Blackfoot, ID — 2011-06-21

Final reportWPR11LA278
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Date
2011-06-21
Location
Blackfoot, ID, USA
Airport
U02
Aircraft
AIR TRACTOR INC AT-502
Registration
N1515P
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power during takeoff for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, during takeoff for a local aerial application flight, the airplane became airborne slightly beyond the normal rotation point. As the airplane approached the departure end of the runway, the engine did not develop enough power to maintain flight. The pilot stated that due to the amount of runway remaining, he was unable to abort the takeoff. He then lowered the nose in an effort to gain more airspeed but did not jettison the chemical load in the hopper. Subsequently, the airplane struck multiple trees beyond the departure end of the runway and came to rest upright. Company personnel reported that, per the pilot's request prior to the accident flight, the airplane was loaded with an amount of chemical that was similar to amounts that he had been using throughout the day. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Signatures observed on the engine's internal components exhibited characteristics of the engine developing power at the time of impact, likely in a high power range. The airplane was found to be within weight and balance limitations at the time of the accident. The reason for the engine to not develop sufficient power for the airplane to maintain a positive rate of climb could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff when engine power was insufficient.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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