Summary
On July 10, 2009, a Air Tractor INC AT-502B (N60023) was involved in an incident near Reydell, AR. 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 inability to maintain control of the airplane when it unexpectedly encountered a whirlwind shortly after takeoff.
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.
This incident is documented in NTSB report CEN09CA428. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N60023.
Accident Details
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
Registered Owner (Historical)
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