N2362D

Substantial
None

AIR TRACTOR AT301S/N: 301-0404

Accident Details

Date
Friday, June 24, 2011
NTSB Number
WPR11CA286
Location
Circle, MT
Event ID
20110624X75815
Coordinates
47.422222, -105.566947
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 failure to attain and maintain an adequate airspeed during initial climb.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N2362D
Make
AIR TRACTOR
Serial Number
301-0404
Year Built
1981
Model / ICAO
AT301

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
HARRIS SPRAYING INC
Address
936 HWY 13 NORTH BOX 56
Status
Deregistered
City
CIRCLE
State / Zip Code
MT 59215-0056
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot stated that he loaded the hopper of the airplane with chemicals for an agricultural flight and proceeded to depart on runway 30. During the climb out, at approximately 50 feet above ground level (agl), the pilot noticed a tailwind from the southwest and at 60 feet agl noticed that his climb rate had diminished. The pilot attempted to initiate a forced landing in the wash across a main road. On touchdown the main landing gear broke off and the airplane proceeded inside a gully where the wings sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported no mechanical issues or malfunctions that would have precluded normal flight. At the time of the accident, the density altitude was approximately 3,600 ft.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR11CA286