N36576

On June 15, 1998, at 1930 central daylight time (cdt), an Air Tractor, AT-301, N36576, operated by a commercial pilot, sustained substantial damage when during initial takeoff roll, the pilot elected to abort the takeoff. During brake application the airplane nosed over. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The aerial application flight was being conducted under 14 CFR Part 137. No flight plan was on file. The pilot reported no injuries. The local flight was originating from a privately-owned airstrip, 3 miles north of Risco, Missouri.

In his written statement, the pilot said the airstrip was made up of very thick sod that was a little soft. The airplane had 2,000 pounds of chemical on board. The pilot said that during the takeoff roll, he noticed that he could not reach takeoff speed. He said he waited too late to stop. The pilot quickly applied the brakes. The airplane "went end over."

A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined the wreckage at the site. The aircraft rested inverted on the airstrip. The front part of the upper cowling was crushed inward and aft. The engine and engine mounts were bent downward. The front windscreen was broken out. The right wing was bent upward at mid-span. The right wing's forward spar was broken. The left horizontal stabilizer and elevator were broken off at the root. The airplane's rudder was broken off. The propeller showed torsional bending and chordwise scratches. Flight control continuity was confirmed. No anomalies were found with the airplane's engine, engine controls, or other airplane systems.