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July 10, 2018 · Air Tractor AT 502 Undesignat · N4509S

De Land, IL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 10, 2018
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
De Land, IL
Aircraft
Air Tractor AT 502 Undesignat (1990)
Tail Number
N4509S
Operator
Olsem Aerial Application Services
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA18CA415

The pilot reported that, after an agricultural application flight, during the landing roll in a rain shower and with a crosswind, the tailwheel-equipped airplane hit a "bump" and became airborne. He added that the airplane was slow, drifted left, and touched down hard. Subsequently, the airplane exited the runway and ground looped. The pilot reported that he should have landed farther down the runway to avoid the bumps that caused the airplane to become airborne. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, empennage, and left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. An automated weather observation system located about 19 nautical miles from the accident site reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 260° at 12 knots. The pilot landed the airplane on runway 18.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s selection of unsuitable terrain for landing in crosswind conditions, which resulted in the airplane inadvertently becoming airborne and a subsequent hard landing and loss of directional control.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that, after an aerial application flight, during the landing roll in a rain shower and with a crosswind, the tailwheel-equipped airplane hit a "bump" and became airborne. He added that the airplane was slow, drifted left, and touched down hard. Subsequently, the airplane exited the runway and ground looped. The pilot added that, he should have possibly landed further down the runway to avoid the bumps that sent him back into the air. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, empennage and left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. An automated weather observation system located about 19 nautical miles from the accident site reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 260° at 12 knots. The pilot landed on runway 18.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:45 CDT
Nearest AirportFlying Illini (0nm N)
Runway18
Runway Length3430 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAir Tractor AT 502 Undesignat
Tail NumberN4509S
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorOlsem Aerial Application Services
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboprop
Engine DetailsPratt & Whitney · PT6A · Turboprop · 750
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 48 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind260° @ 12 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter30.03 inHg
Observation Time21:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data