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March 23, 1997 · Air Tractor AT-502 · N9185G

Watson, AR

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 23, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Watson, AR
Aircraft
Air Tractor AT-502
Tail Number
N9185G
Operator
K&P Flying Service
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW97LA140

The pilot reported that during the airplane's takeoff roll, 'I went about 700 feet and made a decision that it wasn't gonna come off the ground. I shut it down and when I got to the end of my asphalt I hit gravel, [and] los[t] the airplane when it tried to ground loop.' The airplane's main landing gear 'sunk' in mud, and the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to attain lift off speed and the ground loop/swerve encountered. Factors were the gravel and soft terrain at the end of the runway.

Full Narrative

On March 23, 1997, approximately 0630 central standard time, an Air Tractor AT-502, N9185G, was substantially damaged following a loss of control during an aborted takeoff on a private ag-strip near Watson, Arkansas. The commercial pilot, sole occupant in the airplane, was not injured. The airplane was owned by K&P Farms Inc. and operated by K&P Flying Service as a Title 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the aerial application flight which was originating at the time of the accident. No flight plan had been filed. The pilot reported that during the airplane's takeoff roll, "I went about 700 feet and made a decision that it wasn't gonna come off the ground. I shut it down and when I got to the end of my asphalt I hit gravel, [and] los[t] the airplane when it tried to ground loop." The airplane's main landing gear "sunk" in mud, and the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted. The engine mount, cockpit structure, and the vertical stabilizer were damaged. The pilot reported to the investigator-in-charge (IIC) that he had been flying an Air Tractor 602 which is powered by a Pratt & Whitney PT6-60. This model turbine engine produces 1050 shaft horsepower. He stated to the IIC that this was his first flight "in some time" in an Air Tractor 502 which is powered by a Pratt & Whitney PT6-15. This model engine produces 680 shaft horsepower.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time06:30 CST
Nearest AirportK & P Airstrip (0nm)
Runway18
Runway Length2600 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAir Tractor AT-502
Tail NumberN9185G
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorK&P Flying Service
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboprop
Engine DetailsP&W · PT6-15 · Turboprop · 680

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 28 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind90°
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point50 / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data