Premium research interface

The modern interface for aviation safety intelligence.

Search investigations, review source evidence, monitor watched reports, and trace long-term patterns from one calm, data-first workspace.

63k+
Reports indexed
1940-2026
Coverage
Recent
Last data refresh
Featured Report

Loading…

Loading featured report…

Loading…
Open Report

Safety trends by operating rule

Track fatal and non-fatal accident patterns across Part 91, Part 135, and Part 121 operations.

Loading trend charts…

Browse the aviation graph

Move quickly by aircraft, airport, operator, and time with indexes built for research, not wandering.

Last Data Update

By Decade

By Month

Aircraft Manufacturer

More manufacturers

Airports

More airports

Operators

More operators

About

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.

The goal is practical safety education: make it faster to find relevant investigations, compare similar events, review factual records, and understand the evidence behind probable-cause and preliminary reports.

The investigative work and source records belong to the National Transportation Safety Board and the published investigation record. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by the NTSB.

FAQs

NTSB Report

September 20, 2020 · Air Tractor AT 402 Undesignat · N45027

Somerton, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 20, 2020
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Somerton, AZ
Aircraft
Air Tractor AT 402 Undesignat (1990)
Tail Number
N45027
Operator
Tri-Rotor Spray & Chemical
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
WPR20CA313

The pilot reported that, prior to the accident flight, water and a neutralizing agent were added to the hopper tank for cleaning purposes. Several hours later, the pilot conducted a preflight inspection for a night flight. After fueling the airplane, the pilot taxied onto the 2,500 ft. dirt runway, not using the entire length of the runway as he was under the assumption that the hopper was empty. He slowly advanced the power lever to a partial power setting for takeoff. The pilot stated that around the half-way point on the runway, he noticed the airplane was not obtaining the speed needed for takeoff and applied full power. As the airplane was close to the departure end of the runway, the pilot aborted the takeoff and attempted to stop the airplane using the brakes. Subsequently, the airplane overran the departure end of the runway and impacted vegetation. A post-crash fire ensued which destroyed the airplane. The pilot further reported that, after the accident he discussed the events with the company manager and determined the hopper had not been drained of the water prior to the flight. The pilot said that he believed the hopper to be empty and did not apply full power for takeoff. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to use full power during takeoff and his delayed decision to abort the takeoff, which resulted in a runway overrun and subsequent impact with terrain.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that, prior to the accident flight, water and a neutralizing agent were added to the hopper tank for cleaning purposes. Several hours later, the pilot conducted a preflight inspection for a night flight. After fueling the airplane, the pilot taxied onto the 2,500 ft. dirt runway, not using the entire length of the runway as he was under the assumption that the hopper was empty. He slowly advanced the power lever to a partial power setting for takeoff. The pilot stated that around the half-way point on the runway, he noticed the airplane was not obtaining the speed needed for takeoff and applied full power. As the airplane was close to the departure end of the runway, the pilot aborted the takeoff and attempted to stop the airplane using the brakes. Subsequently, the airplane overran the departure end of the runway and impacted vegetation. A post-crash fire ensued which destroyed the airplane. The pilot further reported that, after the accident he discussed the events with the company manager and determined the hopper had not been drained of the water prior to the flight. The pilot said that he believed the hopper to be empty and did not apply full power for takeoff. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time20:00 MST
Nearest AirportTri-Rotor Ag Services (0nm W)
Runway26
Runway Length2510 ft
Runway Width40 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAir Tractor AT 402 Undesignat
Tail NumberN45027
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorTri-Rotor Spray & Chemical
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboprop
Engine DetailsPratt & Whitney · PT6A-34AG · Turboprop · 680
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 26 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightNight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F
Altimeter29.72 inHg
Observation Time03:57
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data