# NTSB FTW94LA239: Air Tractor AT-501, N6073J, Marianna, AR, July 19, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 19, 1994, 17:15 local (22:15 UTC)
- Place: Marianna, AR
- Coordinates: 34.770141, -90.760284 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.7701&lon=-90.7603&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 November 14, 1994
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 19114
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW94LA239
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19114/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW94LA239

## Probable cause

A PREMATURE LIFTOFF. FACTORS WERE THE TALL, WET GRASS AND A TAIL WIND COMPONENT.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - object - tree(s)
  - weather condition - tailwind (contributing factor)
  - lift-off - premature, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - wet (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - high vegetation (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

TAKEOFF WAS ATTEMPTED IN A 5 KNOT QUARTERING TAIL WIND, OFF OF A SOD STRIP THAT WAS WET AND HAD TALL GRASS. IN ADDITION, THE OUTSIDE AIR TEMPERATURE WAS 90 DEGREES. THE PILOT STATED THAT THE AIRPLANE SETTLED BACK ONTO THE RUNWAY AFTER LIFTOFF. HE ADDED ALL REMAINING POWER, INCREASED THE FLAP SETTING, AND BEGAN DUMPING THE LOAD. THE AIRPLANE EVENTUALLY BECAME AIRBORNE, BUT WAS UNABLE TO CLEAR A TREE LINE AT THE END OF THE RUNWAY. THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH THE TREES AND CRASHED.

## Factual narrative

On July 19, 1994, at 1715 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-501, N6073J, was destroyed when it collided with trees near Marianna, Arkansas.  The airplane, flown by a commercial pilot, was departing on what was to have been a local aerial application flight.  There was no flight plan filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed.  The pilot was not injured.

According to the pilot, he was departing to the west from the private sod strip which was oriented 090/270, and measured 2,650 feet by 75 feet.  The winds were reported as being from 135 degrees at 5 knots.  He stated that the airplane was "making good power" and that he had no indications of any mechanical failure.  The operator stated that the strip was wet and the grass long and that coupled with the temperature, the airplane lifted off later than normal.  The pilot stated that after lift off, the airplane settled back onto the runway in tall grass and weeds.  He further stated that he added all the remaining power, increased the flap setting, and began dumping the load.  The airplane eventually became airborne, but was unable to clear a tree line at the end of the runway.  The airplane collided with the trees and then impacted the ground.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6073J](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N6073J), registered now, S/N 502B-0250, built 1994 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: AIR TRACTOR AT-501
- Registry model: [Air Tractor AT-502B](https://openairdocs.org/model/air-tractor-at-502b) (registry code 0390307) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney PT6A series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-pt6a-series) (registry code 52034, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 502B-250
- Airframe hours: 313
- Engines: P&W PT6A-34AG 750 horsepower turbo prop
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Jack Frost
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Airport: NONE, Gerrand Strip, runway 27, 2,650 × 75 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 39; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 6,627 total, 1,406 in this make and model, 6,569 as pilot in command, 233 in the last 90 days, 113 in the last 30 days, 6 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 135° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 90 °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 19940719018859A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940719018859A), Jul 19, 1994: Airtrc AT502B, Marianna, AR, Destroyed. Tried depart tall wet grass sod strip on hot day downwind. Increased flaps dumped load. Got airborne but hit trees.

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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