ATL99LA051

During takeoff roll on Highway 181, the airplane encountered a gust of wind which blew the airplane off the asphalt surface. The airplane proceeded down an embankment and came to rest inverted. Skid marks from the airplane were apparent crossing the roadway and down the embankment. No mechanical malfunctions or failures were reported by the pilot or Federal Aviation Administration Inspector who examined the wreckage.

On March 12, 1999, at 1100 central standard time, an Air Tractor 301, N36484, collided with the ground during takeoff from Highway 181 in Finley, Tennessee. The airplane was owned by H & H Flying Company and operated by the commercial pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 137 and visual flight rules. No flight plan was filed for the local aerial application flight. The pilot was not injured and the airplane received substantial damage. The flight departed Finley, Tennessee, initially at 0700.

According to the pilot, during takeoff roll on Highway 181, the airplane encountered a gust of wind, which blew the airplane around off its heading. The airplane proceeded down an embankment and came to rest inverted. Highway 181 at the accident location was an asphalt surface located on the top of a grass levee. The pilot exited the airplane with no injuries. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures.

According to a Federal Aviation Administration Inspector who visited the accident site, the left wingtip was broken off, the left wing was bowed upward, the propellers were bent, the bottom half of the hopper door was removed, and the vertical stabilizer was crushed with the upper tip broken off. Examination of the takeoff surface showed skid marks crossing the roadway.