N802KT

Substantial
None

AIR TRACTOR INC AT 802AS/N: 802A-0310

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, May 24, 2014
NTSB Number
CEN14CA258
Location
Hunter, AR
Event ID
20140528X35925
Coordinates
35.067222, -91.091392
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 downwind takeoff from a grass airstrip, which resulted in inadequate climb performance and the subsequent impact with terrain.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N802KT
Make
AIR TRACTOR INC
Serial Number
802A-0310
Engine Type
Turbo-shaft
Model / ICAO
AT 802AAT8T
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
KETTLEY FARMS AERIAL APPLICATION LLC
Address
3046 STAINBROOK RD
Status
Deregistered
City
STEWARD
State / Zip Code
IL 60553-9732
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported the agriculture airplane was loaded with about 5,000 pounds of fertilizer and ¾ tank of fuel; he planned to depart a private grass airstrip which was about 2,600 feet long. The pilot departed the runway to the north, and the airplane's landing gear impacted a levee at the end of the runway. Once the landing gear impacted the levee, the airplane would not gain altitude and the pilot conducted a forced landing in an adjacent field. Examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the fuselage during the landing. The pilot reported there were no preimpact abnormalities with the airplane and added that a gust of wind or whirlwind caused the airplane not to climb. About the time of the accident, the temperature was 87 degrees F with a southern wind about 5-10 knots. It's likely the downwind departure degraded the loaded airplane's takeoff performance.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN14CA258