N9148C

Substantial
None

AIR TRACTOR INC AT-502BS/N: 502B-0632

Accident Details

Date
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
NTSB Number
ERA12CA216
Location
Hollandale, MS
Event ID
20120308X05028
Coordinates
33.180557, -90.830276
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 maintain directional control while taxiing in gusty wind conditions.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
AIR TRACTOR INC
Serial Number
502B-0632
Engine Type
Turbo-prop
Model / ICAO
AT-502BAT5T
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
1
FAA Model
AT-502B

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
PRECISION AERIAL AG LLC
Address
965 112TH RD
City
SENECA
State / Zip Code
KS 66538-2574
Country
United States

Analysis

While back-taxiing the tail wheel-equipped agricultural application airplane for takeoff, the pilot reported that he encountered a gust of left quartering tailwind and was "unable to maintain directional control" of the airplane. The airplane veered left and departed the left side of the runway. The tail wheel block attaching bolts subsequently failed and the tail wheel spring then impacted the ground, stopping the airplane's lateral rotation, and shearing all four of the longerons just forward of the vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA12CA216