Pilot Debrief

AIR TRACTOR INC AT 802 near Pocahontas, AR — 2017-06-15

Final reportGAA17CA342
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Date
2017-06-15
Location
Pocahontas, AR, USA
Aircraft
AIR TRACTOR INC AT 802
Registration
N915AJ
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain lateral/bank control during the initial climb in turbulent conditions.

NTSB narrative

The agricultural application pilot reported that, during the initial climb and as soon as the airplane "broke ground," he turned left and subsequently encountered turbulence that caused the left wing to "dip." He added that he applied full right aileron and rudder but that the airplane continued to sink and turn left. Subsequently, the left wing impacted terrain, the airplane cartwheeled, and a postcrash fire ensued. The fuselage, empennage, and both wings sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. An automated weather observation station, 12 nautical miles south of the accident site, reported, about the time of the accident, calm wind, clear skies, temperature 84°F (29°C), and dew point 64°F (18°C).

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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