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June 5, 2023 · Air Tractor AT-502B · N6174W

Bakersfield, CA

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 5, 2023
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Bakersfield, CA
Aircraft
Air Tractor AT-502B (1996)
Tail Number
N6174W
Operator
Wheeler Ridge Aviation
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR23LA217

According to the pilot, he configured the flaps to 20° while he waited for the aerial application airplane to take on 50 gallons of fuel and 400 pounds of fertilizer. He taxied onto the 2,600 ft long asphalt runway, for his 4th aerial application flight of the day. The pilot applied brakes and full power before he released the brakes to initiate the takeoff roll. About 1,300 ft down the runway, the airplane remained on the ground. The pilot applied back pressure to the control stick and the airplane ascended about 10 feet above ground level. The airplane would not climb, and the pilot applied full flaps. The airplane subsequently settled back onto the remaining 1/3rd of the runway. The pilot reported that he did not observe any cockpit instrument cautions or warnings illuminated. The airplane overran the departure end of the runway and collided with trees. The manufacturer’s airplane flight manual (AFM) contains a warning that stated, when taking off from a short-field runway, full flaps should not be used during the takeoff sequence. The use of full flaps creates large amounts of drag, lengthens the ground roll, and impairs climb performance. The pilot submitted an NTSB Form 6120.1, Pilot Aircraft Accident Report, but did not include pages 9 and 10, which encompassed the pilot’s narrative, and his assertion regarding a mechanical malfunction during the sequence of events.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s improper use of flaps during the takeoff sequence which resulted in a runway overrun and collision with trees.

Full Narrative

According to the pilot, he configured the flaps to 20° while he waited for the aerial application airplane to take on 50 gallons of fuel and 400 pounds of fertilizer. He taxied onto the 2,600 ft long asphalt runway, for his 4th aerial application flight of the day. The pilot applied brakes and full power before he released the brakes to initiate the takeoff roll. About 1,300 ft down the runway, the airplane remained on the ground. The pilot applied back pressure to the control stick and the airplane ascended about 10 feet above ground level. The airplane would not climb, and the pilot applied full flaps. The airplane subsequently settled back onto the remaining 1/3rd of the runway. The pilot reported that he did not observe any cockpit instrument cautions or warnings illuminated. The airplane overran the departure end of the runway and collided with trees. The manufacturer’s airplane flight manual (AFM) contains a warning that stated, when taking off from a short-field runway, full flaps should not be used during the takeoff sequence. The use of full flaps creates large amounts of drag, lengthens the ground roll, and impairs climb performance. The pilot submitted an NTSB Form 6120.1, Pilot Aircraft Accident Report, but did not include pages 9 and 10, which encompassed the pilot’s narrative, and his assertion regarding a mechanical malfunction during the sequence of events.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:00 PDT
Nearest AirportCompany Airstrip (1nm W)
Runway27
Runway Length2500 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAir Tractor AT-502B
Tail NumberN6174W
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorWheeler Ridge Aviation
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsP&W · PT6A · Reciprocating · 500
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 60 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind330° @ 15 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point52 F
Altimeter29.71 inHg
Observation Time15:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data