Summary
On August 24, 2006, a Air Tractor AT-400A (N73006) was involved in an incident near Alliance, NE. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection which led to the aircraft tow bar not being removed prior to flight.
The airplane was substantially damaged during takeoff when the tow bar that was not removed came off and struck the tail of the airplane. The pilot reported that during the pre-flight inspection, he noticed that the tow bar was still attached to the airplane. He stated that he was distracted by an employee during the pre-flight. The tow bar was not removed prior to the flight.
This incident is documented in NTSB report CHI06CA254. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N73006.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection which led to the aircraft tow bar not being removed prior to flight.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The airplane was substantially damaged during takeoff when the tow bar that was not removed came off and struck the tail of the airplane. The pilot reported that during the pre-flight inspection, he noticed that the tow bar was still attached to the airplane. He stated that he was distracted by an employee during the pre-flight. The tow bar was not removed prior to the flight.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI06CA254