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June 13, 2019 · Air Tractor AT502 B · N103CK

San Benito, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 13, 2019
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
San Benito, TX
Aircraft
Air Tractor AT502 B (2012)
Tail Number
N103CK
Operator
Sun Valley Dusting
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA19CA339

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during takeoff with a "heavy load" from a 2,600-ft-long private runway, the airplane lifted off, but "due to a shifting wind and high density altitude," the airplane aerodynamically stalled and impacted a field at the end of the runway. The airplane nosed over and was consumed by a postimpact fire. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported that the airplane's gross weight at the time of the accident was 9,350 lbs, and the manufacturer's maximum gross takeoff weight was 9,400 lbs. An automated weather observation station located 6 miles north of the accident site reported that, about 37 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 190° at 10 knots, 10 statute miles visibility, scattered clouds at 5,000 ft, temperature 90° F, dew point 70° F, and altimeter setting 30.04 inches of mercury. The same automated station reported that, about 22 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 040° at 6 knots. The airplane was departing from runway 12.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper decision to take off with the airplane near its maximum allowable gross takeoff weight and his subsequent exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

Full Narrative

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during takeoff with a "heavy load" from a 2,600 ft private runway, the airplane lifted off, but "due to a shifting wind and high density altitude" the airplane aerodynamically stalled and impacted a field at the end of the runway. The airplane nosed over and was consumed by a postimpact fire. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported that the gross weight of the airplane at the time of the accident was 9,350 pounds, and the manufacturer's maximum gross takeoff weight was 9,400 pounds. The automated weather observation station, located 6 miles north of the accident, reported that, about 37 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 190° at 10 knots, 10 statute miles visibility, scattered clouds at 5,000 ft, temperature 90°, dew point 70°, altimeter setting 30.04" Hg. The same automated station reported that, about 22 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 040° at 6 knots. The calculated density altitude was 2,189 ft. The airplane was departing on runway 12.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:30 CDT
Nearest AirportKornegay Private (3nm WSW)
Runway12
Runway Length2600 ft
Runway Width20 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAir Tractor AT502 B
Tail NumberN103CK
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSun Valley Dusting
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboprop
Engine DetailsP&W Canada · PT6A-34AG · Turboprop · 750
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 28 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind90° @ 10 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F
Altimeter30.04 inHg
Observation Time18:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data