N60023

Substantial
None

AIR TRACTOR INC AT-502BS/N: 502B-0315

Accident Details

Date
Friday, July 10, 2009
NTSB Number
CEN09CA428
Location
Reydell, AR
Event ID
20090712X90247
Coordinates
34.111389, -91.502777
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 inability to maintain control of the airplane when it unexpectedly encountered a whirlwind shortly after takeoff.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N60023
Make
AIR TRACTOR INC
Serial Number
502B-0315
Engine Type
Turbo-shaft
Model / ICAO
AT-502BAT5T
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
BEAR BAYOU AG SERVICE
Address
14700 BIG MOE RD
Status
Deregistered
City
STUTTGART
State / Zip Code
AR 72160-9113
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot took off from a private strip on an aerial application flight. While climbing away from the runway the airplane began a left turning tendency. The pilot suspected the airplane encountered a whirlwind and attempted to maintain control of the airplane. When the airplane entered a "dead air space" the airplane was approximately 5 to 10 feet above the ground. The airplane subsequently collided with terrain and came to a stop in the upright position. Substantial damage was sustained to both wings. An inspection of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector did not reveal any pre-impact anomalies.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN09CA428