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NTSB Report
May 15, 2009 · Air Tractor AT-602 · N85115
Charleston, MO
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 15, 2009
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Charleston, MO
Aircraft
Air Tractor AT-602
Tail Number
N85115
Operator
Thompson Flying Service
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN09CA316
Witnesses reported that the agricultural airplane attempted to depart the private airstrip with a load of potash, but that the airplane "never made it off the ground" and impacted crops and terrain located at the end of the runway. The airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted. The rudder was crushed and the engine separated from the airframe. The pilot did "not remember any of the accident." The accident flight was one of several flights completed that day and the day before. The estimated weight of the airplane at the time of takeoff was 11,200 lbs, and the airplane's maximum gross weight was 12,500 lbs. The runway is approximately 1/2 mile in length with 1,600 feet of asphalt and the remaining runway is grass/turf. Postaccident examination revealed no anomalies with the airplane.
NTSB Probable Cause
Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-(general)-Incorrect use/operation - C
Full Narrative
Witnesses reported that the agricultural airplane attempted to depart the private airstrip with a load of potash, but that the airplane "never made it off the ground" and impacted crops and terrain located at the end of the runway. The airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted. The rudder was crushed and the engine separated from the airframe. The pilot did "not remember any of the accident." The accident flight was one of several flights completed that day and the day before. The estimated weight of the airplane at the time of takeoff was 11,200 lbs, and the airplane's maximum gross weight was 12,500 lbs. The runway is approximately 1/2 mile in length with 1,600 feet of asphalt and the remaining runway is grass/turf. Postaccident examination revealed no anomalies with the airplane.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:10 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway36
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftAir Tractor AT-602
Tail NumberN85115
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorThompson Flying Service
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboprop
Engine DetailsPratt And Whitney Canada · PT6A-60AG · Turboprop · 1050
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 35 · Second Class · Serious
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind160° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourceWIT