# NTSB CHI06CA254: Air Tractor AT-400A, N73006, Alliance, NE, August 24, 2006

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: August 23, 2006, 19:15 local (Aug 24, 2006, 01:15 UTC)
- Place: Alliance, NE
- Coordinates: 42.053333, -102.803886
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.0533&lon=-102.8039&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 28, 2006
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 64569
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI06CA254
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/64569/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI06CA254

## Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection which led to the aircraft tow bar not being removed prior to flight.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- On ground/water collision with object, takeoff
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - misc eqpt/furnishings,tow bar - not removed (cause)

## Analysis

The airplane was substantially damaged during takeoff when the tow bar came off and struck the tail of the airplane.  The pilot reported that during the preflight inspection, he noticed that the tow bar was still attached to the airplane.  He stated that he was distracted by an employee during the preflight.  The tow bar was not removed prior to the flight.

## Factual narrative

The airplane was substantially damaged during takeoff when the tow bar that was not removed came off and struck the tail of the airplane.  The pilot reported that during the pre-flight inspection, he noticed that the tow bar was still attached to the airplane.  He stated that he was distracted by an employee during the pre-flight.  The tow bar was not removed prior to the flight.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N73006](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N73006), registered now, S/N 400A-0501, built 1985 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Air Tractor AT-400A
- Registry model: [Air Tractor AT-400A](https://openairdocs.org/model/air-tractor-at-400a) (registry code 0390203) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney PT6A series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-pt6a-series) (registry code 52034, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 400A-0501
- Engines: Pratt & Whitney PT6A turbo prop
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Departed: AIA, ALLIANCE, NE
- Airport: AIA, Alliance Muni, runway 12, 9,202 × 150 ft

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 43; injuries: none; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2; flight hours: 3,500 total, 1,500 in this make and model, 300 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day

## 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 20060823017199A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20060823017199A), Aug 23, 2006: Airtrc AT400A, Alliance, NE, Substantial damage. (-23) Prior to taxi and takeoff the pilot failed to remove the aircraft tow bar before takeoff causing substantial damage to the aircraft.

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.

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