N8521L

Substantial
None

Air Tractor AT-602S/N: 602-0703

Accident Details

Date
Thursday, October 11, 2007
NTSB Number
DFW08CA009
Location
Columbia, LA
Event ID
20071128X01866
Coordinates
32.122222, -92.052780
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing area. Contributing factors were the tall vegetation on the sides of the airstrip and the short and confined landing area.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N8521L
Make
AIR TRACTOR
Serial Number
602-0703
Engine Type
Turbo-shaft
Year Built
2004
Model / ICAO
AT-602AT6T
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
SOUTH DELTA AVIATION INC
Address
124 PHILLIPS 204
Status
Deregistered
City
WEST HELENA
State / Zip Code
AR 72390-9467
Country
United States

Analysis

The 2,670-hour commercial pilot lost control of the turbine-powered aerial application airplane while landing on a remote dirt airstrip to replenish the hopper. The pilot reported that while flaring the airplane during a 3-point landing, the upwind wing (low wing) became entangled in the tall vegetation surrounding the airstrip resulting in a loss of directional control. The airplane "cart-wheeled" and came to rest in the upright position. The pilot was able to exit the airplane unassisted. The airplane's aft fuselage sustained structural damage. When asked how this accident could have been prevented, the pilot responded that a better choice of airstrip could have been made to prevent the mishap.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# DFW08CA009