N5127T

Substantial
None

AIR TRACTOR INC AT-402BS/N: 402B-1022

Accident Details

Date
Friday, August 17, 2012
NTSB Number
ERA12CA517
Location
Gum Neck, NC
Event ID
20120820X72654
Coordinates
34.809444, -76.185554
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 airplane control during the takeoff roll. Contributing to the accident was the rough condition of the runway.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N5127T
Make
AIR TRACTOR INC
Serial Number
402B-1022
Engine Type
Turbo-shaft
Year Built
1996
Model / ICAO
AT-402BF402
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
TIM WHITFIELD AVIATION INC
Address
8369 HWY 94
Status
Deregistered
City
FAIRFIELD
State / Zip Code
NC 27826
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that he was conducting an aerial application flight and taking off from an 80-foot-wide, rough grass private airstrip. During the takeoff roll, the airplane began to bounce and drift to the right. The airplane’s right wing contacted corn and it subsequently veered further to the right and nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. The pilot stated that he did not experience any preimpact 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# ERA12CA517