# NTSB MIA99LA212: Air Tractor AT-401, N15585, Moore Haven, FL, August 2, 1999 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: August 2, 1999, 12:30 local (16:30 UTC) - Place: Moore Haven, FL - Coordinates: 26.829317, -81.090065 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=26.8293&lon=-81.0901&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report September 7, 2000 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 46957 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA99LA212 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/46957/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA99LA212 ## Probable cause The pilot exceeding the gross takeoff weight which reduced the climb capability and subsequent in-flight collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the high temperature and the pilot's failure to use aircraft performance data for the weather conditions. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff - weather condition - temperature,high - performance data - not used, pilot in command (cause) - aircraft weight and balance - exceeded, pilot in command (cause) - lift-off - delayed - climb - restricted - terrain condition - high vegetation ## Analysis While taking off with a temperature of 103 degrees F., the aircraft was not accelerating enough for a proper takeoff and the pilot initiated dumping of the chemical load. The aircraft lifted off, collided with brush at the end of the runway, and then settled into a second area of brush, where it came to rest. The pilot reported he had no mechanical difficulties with the aircraft. ## Factual narrative On August 2, 1999, about 1230 eastern daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-401, N15585, registered to and operated by Thomas R. Summersill, Inc., crashed during takeoff while on a Title 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft received substantial damage and the commercial-rated pilot was not injured. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot stated that he had flown several other flights that morning. The temperature was rising and he had been lowering the chemical loads from the maximum of 2,500 pounds, due to the rising temperature. At 1230, with the temperature at the landing strip at 103 degrees F, he attempted takeoff. About 3/4 of the way down the runway, the aircraft was not accelerating and he attempted to dump the chemical load to reduce weight. The aircraft lifted off the runway and collided with 15-to 20-foot brush, traveled further, and settled into a second area of brush, where it came to rest. He stated he did not have any mechanical difficulties with the aircraft. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N15585](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N15585-2007-12-20), registration cancelled 2007-12-20, S/N 401-0888, built 1992 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Air Tractor AT-401 - Registry model: [Air Tractor AT-401](https://openairdocs.org/model/air-tractor-at-401) (registry code 0390204) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney R1340 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-r1340-series) (registry code 52016, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 401-0888 - Airframe hours: 3573 - Engines: P&W R-1340-AN1 600 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Aerial application, Part 137 - Registered owner: Thomas R. Summersill, Inc. - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special) - Last inspection: Annual, March 1, 1999, 295 hours before - Airport: Perry Farms, runway 18, 2,500 × 60 ft, grass/turf ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 25; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 3,936 total, 2,405 in this make and model, 3,886 as pilot in command, 200 in the last 90 days, 75 in the last 30 days, 10 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 300° at 8 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 91 °F, dew point 75 °F - Altimeter: 29.00 inHg - Observed at: FMY, 45 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 19990802110669A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19990802110669A), Aug 2, 1999: Airtrc AT401, Morehaven, FL, Substantial damage. Acft crashed on take-off, other circumstances are unknown. (.4) on August 2, 1999, about 1230 eastern daylight time, an air tractor AT-401, N15585, registered… 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.