Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's attempt to takeoff downwind resulting in the airplane not clearing trees at the end of the runway.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On October 13, 2006 at 1620 central daylight time, a Air Tractor AT-802A, N8504T registered to AG Pilots Inc, and Operated by Thrash Aviation Inc., as a Title 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight, collided with trees during takeoff from a private airstrip in Linden, Alabama. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The commercial-rated pilot reported no injuries, and the airplane was substantially damaged. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.
The pilot stated he took off down wind with trees on the end of the strip. He was heavily loaded and did not get airborne quick enough.
Examination of the airplane by an FAA Inspector found that the airplane had struck trees at the end of the runway and impacted the ground, causing substantial damage to both wings and the empennage. There were no mechanical problems reported by the pilot or discovered during the post-accident examination of the airplane.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ATL07CA011