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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

June 25, 1998 · Air Tractor AT-301 · N31677

Ipswich, SD

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 25, 1998
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Ipswich, SD
Aircraft
Air Tractor AT-301
Tail Number
N31677
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI98LA217

The pilot reported that shortly after rotating during a takeoff to the north, a sudden gust of wind from the south was experienced. He reported the airplane stalled and then 'mushed.' The airplane traveled off the end of the runway into a wet oat field where the airplane nosed over. The pilot reported the local winds were from the west at 6 knots. The 0856 cdt weather observation for Aberdeen, South Dakota, 19 miles east of the accident site, reported the winds were from 230 degrees at 7 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's inadequate evaluation of the weather conditions and his failure to maintain aircraft control which resulted in a stall/mush. Factors associated with the accident were the tailwind condition and the soft terrain.

Full Narrative

On June 25, 1998, at 0900 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-301, N31677, operated by Tri County Ag Service, Inc., collided with the terrain and nosed over following a loss of control on takeoff from Rappe Field, a private airstrip, in Ipswich, South Dakota. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. The 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. The airplane was taking off to the north when the accident occurred. The pilot reported that during the initial takeoff climb, shortly after rotation, a sudden gust of wind from the south was experienced. He reported the airplane stalled and then "mushed." The airplane traveled off the end of the runway into a wet oat field where the airplane nosed over. The pilot reported the local winds were from the west at 6 knots. The 0856 cdt weather observation for Aberdeen, South Dakota, 19 miles east of the accident site, reported the winds were from 230 degrees at 7 knots.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:00 CDT
Nearest AirportRappe Field (0nm)
Runway36
Runway Length2600 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAir Tractor AT-301
Tail NumberN31677
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsP&W · R-1340 · Reciprocating · 600
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 34 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind240° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 61 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time14:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data