# NTSB CEN14LA299: Air Tractor AT 502, N9184T, Dell, AR, June 16, 2014 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: June 16, 2014, 11:30 local (16:30 UTC) - Place: Dell, AR - Coordinates: 35.796665, -90.083885 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.7967&lon=-90.0839&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Takeoff: Collision during takeoff/land](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor - Status: Completed, report December 15, 2014 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Central Region - Parties: Federal Aviation Administration - NTSB case key (mKey): 89469 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CEN14LA299 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/89469/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=89469 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14LA299 ## Probable cause The pilot’s failure to establish a proper airspeed during takeoff with the airplane near its maximum gross weight in high-density altitude and gusting crosswind conditions. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Performance/control parameters: airspeed](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062010): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Air Tractor AT-502, 4 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062010/cases.md?model=0390303), [All aircraft, 1,681 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062010/cases.md) - [Action: incorrect action performance](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041015): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Air Tractor AT-502, 4 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041015/cases.md?model=0390303), [All aircraft, 1,386 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041015/cases.md) - [Wind: gusts](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034045): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Effect on equipment (probable cause); cases with it: [Air Tractor AT-502, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034045/cases.md?model=0390303), [All aircraft, 1,199 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034045/cases.md) - [Temp/humidity/pressure: high density altitude](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03031020): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Effect on equipment (probable cause); cases with it: [Air Tractor AT-502, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03031020/cases.md?model=0390303), [All aircraft, 278 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03031020/cases.md) - [Aircraft capability: maximum weight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01061035): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not specified (probable cause); cases with it: [Air Tractor AT-502, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01061035/cases.md?model=0390303), [All aircraft, 152 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01061035/cases.md) - [Info processing/decision: decision making/judgment](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot; cases with it: [Air Tractor AT-502, 6 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md?model=0390303), [All aircraft, 3,098 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Takeoff: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240); cases with it: [Air Tractor AT-502, 4 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md?model=0390303), [All aircraft, 5,002 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md) - [Takeoff: Collision during takeoff/land](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490) (defining event); cases with it: [Air Tractor AT-502, 5 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490/sequence.md?model=0390303), [All aircraft, 1,309 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490/sequence.md) - [Takeoff: Other weather encounter](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/400); cases with it: [Air Tractor AT-502, 4 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/400/sequence.md?model=0390303), [All aircraft, 1,127 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/400/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot reported that on the last flight of the day, the airplane's hopper was almost completely loaded with dry fertilizer material before takeoff and that its takeoff weight was 7,918.83 lbs; the airplane's maximum gross weight was 8,000 lbs. After the fertilizer was loaded, the pilot attempted to depart to the west. During takeoff, the engine was operating at 2,200 rpm (high power), and the airplane got "onto the step," but it did not lift off as expected, so the pilot hit the emergency load dump. The airplane still would not climb, and it subsequently collided with an embankment at the end of the runway, cartwheeled into a field, and then came to rest upright. The pilot reported that he did not notice a change in the engine sound and was confident that the flight controls did not malfunction. The local weather was wind from 170 degrees at 8 knots gusting to 15 knots, and the density altitude was calculated to be 2,377 feet. A postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Based on the available evidence, it is likely that the pilot rotated the airplane early. It is also likely that the combined effects of the airplane's near maximum gross weight, the high-density altitude, and the gusting crosswind conditions contributed to the airplane's sluggishness when climbing. ## Factual narrative On June 16, 2014, about 1130 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT 502 airplane, N9184T, impacted terrain after departing a private strip near Dell, Arkansas. The pilot received minor injuries and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The airplane was registered to and operated by Simpson Air Inc., under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 as an aerial application flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident. According to the pilot, the airplane's hopper was almost completely loaded with dry fertilizer material and the takeoff weight was 7,918.83 pounds (lbs); the airplane's maximum gross weight was 8,000 lbs. After the fertilizer was loaded he attempted to depart to the west. The pilot advanced the throttle and continued down the runway. The airplane got onto the "step" and then began to climb when he felt the airplane decelerate. The airplane was no longer able to maintain a climb; the pilot lost control of the airplane and it cartwheeled into a field straight ahead where it came to rest upright. The empennage separated from the rear fuselage and the right wing was twisted aft and down. The pilot reported that he did not notice a change in the engine sound and was confident that the flight controls did not malfunction. At 1155, the automated weather report at Blytheville, Arkansas, located 9 miles northeast, reported: wind from 170 degrees at 8 knots gusting to 15 knots, 10 miles visibility, few clouds at 3,800 feet, temperature 90 degrees Fahrenheit (F), dew point 72 degrees F, and altimeter setting 30.11 inches of mercury. The density altitude was calculated to be 2,377 feet. The power turbine section of the engine was replaced on June 6, 2014 by Covington Aircraft following a propeller strike incident about 1 week prior to the accident flight. A postaccident examination of the engine and airframe revealed impact damage and no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N9184T](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9184T-2016-12-28), registration cancelled 2016-12-28, S/N 502-0199, built 1992 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: AIR TRACTOR INC AT 502 - Registry model: [Air Tractor AT-502](https://openairdocs.org/model/air-tractor-at-502) (registry code 0390303) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney PT6A series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-pt6a-series) (registry code 52032, turbo-prop) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 502-0199 - Year built: 1992 - Airframe hours: 9340 - Engines: Pratt & Whitney PT6A-34 750 horsepower turbo prop - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Aerial application, Part 137 - Operator: Simpson Air Inc - Registered owner: Simpson Air Inc - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special) - Last inspection: 100 hour, June 9, 2014 - Departed: PVT, Dell, AR - Destination: PVT, Dell, AR - Airport: PVT, runway 27, 2,300 × 70 ft, concrete ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 46; injuries: minor; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, with waivers/limitations; last flight review November 7, 2013; seat: single; restraint: 3-point; flight hours: 8,626 total, 340 in this make and model, 120 in the last 90 days, 90 in the last 30 days, 8 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 170° at 8 knots, gusting 15 - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Temperature: 90 °F, dew point 72 °F - Altimeter: 30.11 inHg - Observed at: KBYH, 9 nm away ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20140616009909A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20140616009909A), Jun 16, 2014: Air Tractor Inc AT-502, Dell, AR, Destroyed. On June 16, 2014 at 1126 CDT, an Air tractor 502, N9184T, allegedly lost power on takeoff and collided with a levee at the end of the runway at the primary… ## Docket (7 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on August 11, 2014, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=89469. 11.1 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 378 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40414862&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Redacted.PDF - Record of Conversation (item 2, .PDF, 63 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40414863&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Record%20of%20Conversation-Master.PDF - Statement of Party Representatives to NTSB Investigation (item 3, .PDF, 2.7 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40414864&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Statement%20of%20Party%20Representatives%20to%20NTSB%20Investigation-Redacted.PDF - Release of Aircraft Wreckage, NTSB Form 6120.15 (item 4, .PDF, 143 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40414865&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Release%20of%20Aircraft%20Wreckage,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.15-Redacted.PDF - Aircraft Logbook Excerpt (item 5, .PDF, 496 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40414867&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Aircraft%20Logbook%20Excerpt-Redacted.PDF - Photo 1. Main Wreckage (Photo Courtesy of FAA) (item 6, .PDF, 3.6 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40414868&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%201.%20Main%20Wreckage%20(Photo%20Courtesy%20of%20FAA)-Master.PDF - Photo 2. Main Wreckage, Close up (Photo Courtesy of FAA) (item 7, .PDF, 3.7 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40414869&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%202.%20Main%20Wreckage,%20Close%20up%20(Photo%20Courtesy%20of%20FAA)-Master.PDF From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.