# NTSB CHI96LA167: Air Tractor AT401, N1019X, Letcher, SD, May 20, 1996 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: May 19, 1996, 21:15 local (May 20, 1996, 02:15 UTC) - Place: Letcher, SD - Coordinates: 43.889945, -98.140731 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.8899&lon=-98.1407&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 16, 1996 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 10254 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI96LA167 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/10254/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI96LA167 ## Probable cause the pilot's inadequate evaluation of the severe weather condition. A factor was the weather conditions. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run - weather condition - thunderstorm,outflow (contributing factor) - weather condition - high wind (contributing factor) - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor) - weather evaluation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause) - ground loop/swerve - inadvertent, pilot in command - Nose over, takeoff - roll/run ## Analysis The pilot reported that after landing, following an aerial application flight, he observed lightning to the northwest of the airstrip. Due to the approaching weather, the pilot decided to ferry the airplane to another airport where hangar facilities were available. During the takeoff roll to the south, a gust front from the approaching storm reached the field. The wind changed from calm to approximately 30 knots from the west. He attempted to continue the takeoff but 'was unable to attain flying speed and maintain directional control.' The airplane departed the east side of the runway and nosed over. ## Factual narrative On May 19, 1996, at 2115 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT401, N1019X, operated by JDM, Inc., was substantially damaged when it nosed over during takeoff from a private airstrip in Letcher, South Dakota. The commercial pilot reported no injuries. Thunderstorms and severe winds were reported by witnesses. The 14 CFR Part 91 ferry flight was planned to Mitchell, South Dakota. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The pilot reported that he landed, following an aerial application flight, and observed lightning to the northwest of the airstrip and "it was apparent that possibly severe weather was approaching the field. The decision was made to ferry the empty aircraft...where hangar facilities are available." During the takeoff roll toward the south, the gust front from the approaching storm reached the field. The wind changed from calm to approximately 30 knots from the west. He wrote that he attempted to continue the takeoff but "was unable to attain flying speed and maintain directional control." The airplane departed the east side of the runway and nosed over. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N1019X](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1019X-2011-02-15), registration cancelled 2011-02-15, S/N 401-0736, built 1989 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Air Tractor AT401 - Registry model: [Air Tractor AT-401](https://openairdocs.org/model/air-tractor-at-401) (registry code 0390204) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney R1340 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-r1340-series) (registry code 52016, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 401-0736 - Airframe hours: 2047 - Engines: P&W R-1340 600 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Ferry, Part 91 - Registered owner: M & J Aviation, Inc. - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special) - Last inspection: Annual, December 21, 1995 - Destination: MHE, MITCHELL, SD - Airport: Mj Aviation Airstrip, runway 18, 4,000 × 150 ft, grass/turf ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 43; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 3,508 total, 58 in this make and model, 3,424 as pilot in command, 16 in the last 90 days, 16 in the last 30 days, 12 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk - Wind: 310° at 20 knots, gusting 30 - Visibility: 20 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 64 °F ## 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 19960519015949A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960519015949A), May 19, 1996: Airtrc AT401, Letcher, SD, Substantial damage. (.4)The pilot reported that after landing, following an aerial application flight, he observed lightning to the northwest of the Airstrip. Due to the… 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.