# NTSB CHI98LA217: Air Tractor AT-301, N31677, Ipswich, SD, June 25, 1998 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: June 25, 1998, 09:00 local (14:00 UTC) - Place: Ipswich, SD - Coordinates: 45.440639, -99.020553 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.4406&lon=-99.0206&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report May 19, 1999 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 10931 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI98LA217 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/10931/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI98LA217 ## Probable cause the pilot's inadequate evaluation of the weather conditions and his failure to maintain aircraft control which resulted in a stall/mush. Factors associated with the accident were the tailwind condition and the soft terrain. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb - weather condition - tailwind (contributing factor) - weather evaluation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause) - aircraft handling - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - stall/mush (cause) - In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled - Nose over, other - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor) ## Analysis The pilot reported that shortly after rotating during a takeoff to the north, a sudden gust of wind from the south was experienced. He reported the airplane stalled and then 'mushed.' The airplane traveled off the end of the runway into a wet oat field where the airplane nosed over. The pilot reported the local winds were from the west at 6 knots. The 0856 cdt weather observation for Aberdeen, South Dakota, 19 miles east of the accident site, reported the winds were from 230 degrees at 7 knots. ## Factual narrative On June 25, 1998, at 0900 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-301, N31677, operated by Tri County Ag Service, Inc., collided with the terrain and nosed over following a loss of control on takeoff from Rappe Field, a private airstrip, in Ipswich, South Dakota. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. The 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. The airplane was taking off to the north when the accident occurred. The pilot reported that during the initial takeoff climb, shortly after rotation, a sudden gust of wind from the south was experienced. He reported the airplane stalled and then "mushed." The airplane traveled off the end of the runway into a wet oat field where the airplane nosed over. The pilot reported the local winds were from the west at 6 knots. The 0856 cdt weather observation for Aberdeen, South Dakota, 19 miles east of the accident site, reported the winds were from 230 degrees at 7 knots. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N31677](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N31677-2023-06-20), registration cancelled 2023-06-20, S/N 301-0570, built 1984 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Air Tractor AT-301 - Registry model: [Air Tractor AT-301](https://openairdocs.org/model/air-tractor-at-301) (registry code 0390103) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney R1340 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-r1340-series) (registry code 52016, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 570 - Engines: P&W R-1340 600 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Aerial application, Part 137 - Registered owner: Tri County Ag Service, Inc. - Last inspection: Annual, November 24, 1998 - Departed: PVT - Airport: SD25, Rappe Field, runway 36, 2,600 × 60 ft, grass/turf ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 34; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 2,150 total, 1,100 in this make and model ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 240° at 5 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 61 °F - Altimeter: 29.00 inHg - Observed at: ABR, 19 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 19980625015019A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19980625015019A), Jun 25, 1998: Airtrc AT301, Ipswich, SD, Substantial damage. (.19)On June 25, 1998, at 1000 central daylight time, an air tractor AT-301, N31677, operated by tri county ag service, inc., collided with the terrain and… 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.