# NTSB CHI99LA159: Air Tractor AT-802A, N6144H, Poplar Bluff, MO, May 23, 1999 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: May 23, 1999, 14:00 local (19:00 UTC) - Place: Poplar Bluff, MO - Coordinates: 36.760486, -90.400329 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.7605&lon=-90.4003&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report October 13, 2000 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 46368 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI99LA159 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/46368/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI99LA159 ## Probable cause the pilot selecting the wrong runway direction on which to initiate the takeoff and his failure to maintain directional control. Factors associated with the accident were the quartering tailwind condition, the rough terrain encountered, and fatigue. ## 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 - tailwind (contributing factor) - wrong runway - selected, pilot in command (cause) - fatigue, pilot in command (contributing factor) - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, takeoff - roll/run - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor) - Main gear collapsed, takeoff - roll/run - landing gear,main gear - overload ## Analysis The pilot stated that he initiated the takeoff with a '... strong quartering tailwind.' According to the pilot he was taking off to the east with the local winds from 315 degrees at 15 to 20 knots. He reported that the airplane veered to the left and he was unable to compensate for the veer using the rudder. The airplane traveled off the left side of the airstrip and through a rice field where it contacted a levee knocking off the main gear. The pilot stated he started flying at 0700 central daylight time and he had flown 24 loads on the day of the accident. ## Factual narrative On May 23, 1999, at 1400 central daylight time (cdt), an Air Tractor AT-802A, N6144H, operated by a commercial pilot collided with the terrain following a loss of directional control during a takeoff ground run from a private airstrip in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The 14 CFR Part 137 flight was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot stated he initiated the takeoff with a "... strong quartering tailwind." According to the pilot he was taking off to the east on the 2,600' x 100' paved airstrip and the local winds were from 315 degrees at 15 to 20 knots. He reported the airplane veered to the left and he was unable to compensate for the veer using the rudder. The airplane traveled off the left side of the airstrip and through a rice field where it contacted a levee knocking off the main gear. The airplane was loaded with 5,000 pounds of fertilizer at the time of the accident. The pilot stated he started flying at 0700 cdt and he had flown 24 loads on the day of the accident. ## Aircraft - Registration: N6144H (not matched to a registry record) - Reported make and model: Air Tractor AT-802A - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 802-025 - Airframe hours: 1441 - Engines: P&W PT6-45 1100 horsepower turbo prop - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Aerial application, Part 137 - Registered owner: John M. Hall - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special) - Last inspection: 100 hour, March 21, 1999, 31 hours before - Airport: Private Airstrip, runway 9, 2,600 × 100 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 40; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 12,000 total, 1,500 in this make and model, 100 in the last 90 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 315° at 15 knots, gusting 20 - Visibility: 15 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none ## 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 19990523005539A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19990523005539A), May 23, 1999: Airtrc AT802A, Poplar Bluff, MO, Substantial damage. Acft encountered a cross wind on take-off, lost control, and sustained substantial damage, other circumstances are unknown. (-23)on may 23, 1999 at approx.… 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.