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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

May 17, 1998 · Air Tractor AT-502B · N502JF

Parkin, AR

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 17, 1998
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Parkin, AR
Aircraft
Air Tractor AT-502B
Tail Number
N502JF
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
FTW98LA225

The pilot stated that while taking off from a dirt strip, the airplane failed to clear a tree line about 200 feet beyond the departure end of the runway. According to local law enforcement officers, the airplane collided with an oak tree at the departure end of the airstrip as the pilot was attempting to takeoff to the south with a load of dry fertilizer. The pilot stated that the engine was performing normally. He estimated that he had 100 gallons of fuel on board. The position of the flaps could not be determined. During an investigation, the density altitude was estimated to be about 2,200 feet.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's improper planning/decision, which resulted in his failure to maintain sufficient altitude/clearance from trees at the departure end of the airstrip. Related factors were: high density altitude and trees at the departure end of the airstrip.

Full Narrative

On May 17, 1998, at 1530 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-502B agricultural airplane, N502JF, was destroyed upon impact with a tree and terrain during takeoff near Parkin, Arkansas. The non-instrument rated commercial pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. The airplane was owned and operated by Hutcherson Flying Service Inc., of Forrest City, Arkansas, under Title 14 CFR Part 137. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the aerial application flight for which a flight plan was not filed. The flight was originating from a private airstrip at the time of the accident. According to local law enforcement officers that responded to the accident site, the airplane collided with an oak tree at the departure end of the 2,300 foot airstrip while attempting to takeoff to the south with a load of "Urea" dry fertilizer. In the narrative portion of the enclosed Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), the pilot stated that the airplane broke ground while taking off from the dirt strip; however, the airplane failed to clear a tree line 200 feet beyond the departure end of the turf runway. The pilot stated that the engine was performing normally. The pilot estimated that he had 100 gallons of fuel on board. The position of the flaps could not be determined. The NTSB investigator estimated that the density altitude at the time of the accident was 2,200 feet. The pilot's operating handbook does not provide takeoff performance data for the airplane.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:30 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway18
Runway Length2300 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAir Tractor AT-502B
Tail NumberN502JF
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboprop
Engine DetailsP&W · PT6A-34 · Turboprop · 750
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 29 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind70° @ 8 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point52
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time19:51
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data