# NTSB FTW95LA284: Air Tractor AT-502, N91282, Elaine, AR, July 7, 1995

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 7, 1995, 16:00 local (21:00 UTC)
- Place: Elaine, AR
- Coordinates: 34.299526, -90.849235 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.2995&lon=-90.8492&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 February 27, 1996
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 19487
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW95LA284
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19487/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW95LA284

## Probable cause

THE PILOT DID NOT MAINTAIN A POSITIVE RATE OF CLIMB.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff - initial climb
  - climb - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF FROM A GRASS STRIP THE AIRCRAFT COULD NOT MAINTAIN ALTITUDE AND SETTLED TO THE GROUND COMING TO REST INVERTED. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRCREFT DID NOT REVEAL ANY ANOMALIES THAT COULD HAVE ACCOUNTED FOR THE INABILITY TO MAINTAIN A CLIMB.

## Factual narrative

On July 7, 1995, at 1600 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-502, N91282, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following initial climb near Elaine, Arkansas.  The commercial pilot was not injured.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight.  The aircraft was operated by Flying Service, Inc., and no flight plan was filed.

In an interview conducted by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, the pilot reported that shortly after takeoff, the aircraft could not maintain altitude and settled to the ground coming to rest inverted.

Examination of the aircraft revealed damage to the engine, propeller, empennage, and both wings.  Further examination did not reveal any anomalies that could have accounted for the inability to maintain a climb.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N91282](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N91282-2001-03-05), registration cancelled 2001-03-05, S/N 502-0196 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: AIR TRACTOR AT-502
- Registry model: [Air Tractor AT-502](https://openairdocs.org/model/air-tractor-at-502) (registry code 0390303) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 5020196
- Airframe hours: 1800
- Engines: P&W PT6-34 780 horsepower turbo prop
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Flying Service, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: 100 hour, June 10, 1995

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 30; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 6,080 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 91 °F, dew point 70 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19950707017579A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19950707017579A), Jul 7, 1995: Airtrc AT502, Elaine, AR, Substantial damage. Unable to climb after takeoff. Settled to ground. Nosed over. Gross weight and density altitude were factors.

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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