FTW96LA177

According to the pilot, he had routinely flown off the 2,800 foot runway with a similar load; however, on this takeoff, the airplane was not airborne at the usual place. The pilot attempted to dump the chemical load, but he missed the dump handle. After reaching the end of the runway, the airplane became airborne, crossed a ravine where the ground dropped off approximately 30 feet into a creek bed, and impacted terrain on the far side of the creek. The pilot reported that he normally followed the manufacturer's recommended short field takeoff procedure, which called for the use of a 10 degree flap setting; however, he indicated that he might not have used the flaps on the accident flight.

On April 18, 1996, approximately 1700 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-502B, N6050D, was substantially damaged when it collided with terrain during takeoff near Pond Creek, Oklahoma. The airplane was registered to Homestead Leasing Corporation and operated by Homestead Farms Flying Service as a Title 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. The commercial pilot was not injured. The flight was originating from Homestead Farms Airport at the time of the accident.

During an interview, conducted by an FAA inspector, the pilot reported that he had routinely flown off the 2,800 foot runway with a similar load; however, on this takeoff, the airplane was not airborne at the usual place. He attempted to dump chemical, but missed the dump handle. Upon reaching the end of the runway, the airplane became airborne, crossed a ravine where the ground dropped off approximately 30 feet into a creek bed, and impacted the ground on the far side of the creek. According to the FAA inspector, the airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, the fuselage, and the empennage.

The pilot did not submit a written statement with his Pilot/Operator Report, NTSB Form 6120.1/2. During a telephone interview, conducted by the investigator-in-charge, the pilot stated that he normally followed the manufacturer's recommended short field takeoff procedure which calls for the use of a 10 degree flap setting. When questioned concerning the use of flaps on the accident flight, the pilot stated that he had been "running longer than usual," was tired, and may not have used flaps.