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NTSB Report
May 29, 2009 · Air Tractor AT-502 · N198LA
Mendota, IL
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 29, 2009
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Mendota, IL
Aircraft
Air Tractor AT-502
Tail Number
N198LA
Operator
R & R Flight Service
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN09CA323
The agricultural airplane was loaded about 300 pounds over its maximum gross weight for a commercial aerial application flight. The pilot stated that the airplane had not become airborne after traveling 3/4 down the runway. At that point in the takeoff, the pilot attempted to lift off, but the airplane settled back onto the runway. The airplane then overran the runway and hit a hill after which the airplane became airborne and then impacted the ground with its right wing tip and left wing, resulting in substantial damage. The pilot sustained minor injuries.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot's inadequate preflight planning and preparation and his failure to perform an aborted takeoff.
Full Narrative
The agricultural airplane was loaded about 300 pounds over its maximum gross weight for a commercial aerial application flight. The pilot stated that the airplane had not become airborne after traveling 3/4 down runway 36 (2,800 feet by 80 feet, turf). At that point in the takeoff, the pilot attempted to lift off, but the airplane settled back onto the runway. The airplane then overran the runway and hit a hill after which the airplane became airborne and then impacted the ground with its right wing tip and left wing resulting in substantial damage. The pilot sustained minor injuries.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time07:50 CDT
Nearest AirportHendrickson Flying Service Air (0nm)
Runway36
Runway Length2800 ft
Runway Width80 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftAir Tractor AT-502
Tail NumberN198LA
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorR & R Flight Service
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboprop
Engine DetailsPratt & Whitney · PT6A-34A6 · Turboprop · 750
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 50 · Second Class · Minor
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind290° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 55
Altimeter29.90 inHg
Observation Time12:56
Weather SourceWFAC