Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
the pilot selecting the wrong runway direction on which to initiate the takeoff and his failure to maintain directional control. Factors associated with the accident were the quartering tailwind condition, the rough terrain encountered, and fatigue.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On May 23, 1999, at 1400 central daylight time (cdt), an Air Tractor AT-802A, N6144H, operated by a commercial pilot collided with the terrain following a loss of directional control during a takeoff ground run from a private airstrip in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The 14 CFR Part 137 flight was originating at the time of the accident.
The pilot stated he initiated the takeoff with a "... strong quartering tailwind." According to the pilot he was taking off to the east on the 2,600' x 100' paved airstrip and the local winds were from 315 degrees at 15 to 20 knots. He reported the airplane veered to the left and he was unable to compensate for the veer using the rudder. The airplane traveled off the left side of the airstrip and through a rice field where it contacted a levee knocking off the main gear.
The airplane was loaded with 5,000 pounds of fertilizer at the time of the accident. The pilot stated he started flying at 0700 cdt and he had flown 24 loads on the day of the accident.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI99LA159