This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.
The National Transportation Safety Board did not travel to the scene of this accident.
Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Springfield, Illinois
Location: Wyoming, Illinois
Accident Number: CEN22LA310
Date and Time: July 10, 2022, 18:10 Local
Registration: N205SK
Aircraft: AIR TRACTOR INC AT-502B - 0628
Injuries: N/A
Flight Conducted Under: Part 137: Agricultural
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Make: AIR TRACTOR INC
Registration: N205SK
Model/Series: AT-502B - 0628 NO SERIES
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built:
Operator:
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Agricultural aircraft (137)
Operator Designator Code:
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: VMC
Condition of Light: Dusk
Observation Facility, Elevation:
Observation Time:
Distance from Accident Site:
Temperature/Dew Point:
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: / ,
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility:
Altimeter Setting:
Type of Flight Plan Filed: VFR
Departure Point: Wyoming , IL (N/A)
Destination: Wyoming, IL
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: N/A
Latitude, Longitude: 41.04666,-89.77373 (est)
Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board
The National Transportation Safety Board did not travel to the scene of this accident.
Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Jackson, Mississippi
Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:
Joe Pruden Flying Service/Larry Joe Pruden
Delta Pilot LLC
Location: Louise, Mississippi
Accident Number: GAA18CA476
Date and Time: July 30, 2018, 12:00 Local
Registration: N205SK
Aircraft: Air Tractor AT502
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 137: Agricultural
Analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the fourth landing on a rural runway, the airplane touched down hard, bounced, and veered left. The pilot attempted to correct with opposite rudder; however, the airplane continued left into a field and ground looped to the left. The right wing impacted the ground, and the right main landing gear separated.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Probable Cause and Findings
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard, bounced landing and a subsequent loss of directional control.
Findings
Aircraft Landing flare - Not attained/maintained
Aircraft Directional control - Not attained/maintained
Personnel issues Aircraft control - Pilot
Factual Information
History of Flight
Landing Hard landing
Landing Abnormal runway contact
Landing-landing roll Loss of control on ground (Defining event)
Landing Attempted remediation/recovery
Landing-landing roll Runway excursion
Landing-landing roll Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)
Pilot Information
Certificate: Commercial
Age: 36, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land
Seat Occupied: Single
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: Unknown
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 With waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: March 1, 2018
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: (Estimated) 1425 hours (Total, all aircraft), 74 hours (Total, this make and model)
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Make: Air Tractor
Registration: N205SK
Model/Series: AT502 B
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2001
Amateur Built:
Airworthiness Certificate: Restricted (Special)
Serial Number: 502B-0628
Landing Gear Type:
Tricycle Seats: 1
Date/Type of Last Inspection: January 5, 2018 Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 8000 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Turbo prop
Airframe Total Time: 7827 Hrs as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Pratt & Whitney
ELT: Not installed
Engine Model/Series: PT6A-34AG
Registered Owner:
Rated Power: 750 Horsepower
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Agricultural aircraft (137)
Operator Does Business As: Delta Pilot LLC
Operator Designator Code:
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC)
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KGLH,128 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 33 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 17:53 Local
Direction from Accident Site: 327°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 7000 ft AGL
Visibility: 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction:
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.97 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 29°C / 22°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Louise, MS (PVT)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Louise, MS (PVT)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 09:20 Local
Type of Airspace: Class G
Airport Information
Airport: PVT PVT
Runway Surface Type: Grass/turf
Airport Elevation: 101 ft msl
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 36
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 2500 ft / 250 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full stop; Straight-in
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 33.033054,-90.622779 (est)
Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board
The National Transportation Safety Board did not travel to the scene of this accident.
Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Delta Dusters LLC
Location: Wisner, Louisiana
Accident Number: CEN12LA459
Date and Time: July 18, 2012, 11:00 Local
Registration: N205SK
Aircraft: AIR TRACTOR INC AT-502B
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Collision during takeoff/land
Injuries: 1 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 137: Agricultural
Analysis
The pilot reported that the airplane lifted off of the 2,500-foot long, rough, turf airstrip about 100 feet before the end of the runway. However, the airplane did not climb out of ground effect, and it settled into a bean field. He stated that there were no mechanical issues with the airplane during the accident takeoff. The pilot had reduced the chemical load for the agricultural application flight due to the runway length and ambient temperature, and he had elected to conduct the accident takeoff with the wing flaps extended to about 25 degrees. He reported a gross weight for the accident takeoff of 10,100 lbs. Performance data indicated that a takeoff distance of about 2,600 feet was required to clear a 50-foot obstacle. However, that data was applicable to a hard surface runway at a maximum certificated gross takeoff weight of 8,000 lbs with 10 degrees of flaps. The airplane flight manual did not contain takeoff data for weights or flap settings in excess of 8,000 lbs and 10 degrees, respectively. The airplane manufacturer recommended that takeoffs not be attempted with more than 10 degrees of flap. Regulations and guidance related to agricultural application flights in restricted category airplanes allowed for operations up to 31 percent above the certificated gross takeoff weight. The pilot reported that the maximum gross weight for the airplane was 10,480 lbs, which corresponded to the 31 percent limit. FAA guidance suggested that an increase in takeoff gross weight of 31 percent will increase the required takeoff distance by about 90 percent. The reduced acceleration due to the rough, turf runway and the excess flap deflection selected by the pilot, combined with operating near the maximum permitted takeoff gross weight, resulted in the airplane's inability to attain a positive rate of climb after liftoff.
Probable Cause and Findings
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot’s inadequate takeoff planning that did not consider the reduced acceleration due to a rough, turf runway and his use of an improper flap setting, which resulted in a collision with terrain during takeoff.
Findings
Environmental issues Runway/landing area condition - Effect on operation
Aircraft Climb rate - Not attained/maintained
Personnel issues Use of equip/system - Pilot
Aircraft Trailing edge flaps - Incorrect use/operation
Personnel issues Performance calculations - Pilot
Factual Information
On July 18, 2012, about 1100 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-502B, N205SK, impacted a bean field after takeoff from a private airstrip near Wisner, Louisiana. The pilot sustained a serious injury. The airplane was substantially damaged. The airplane was registered to and operated by Delta Dusters LLC under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 as an agricultural application flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which was not operated on a flight plan. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.
The pilot reported that the airplane lifted off of the 2,500-foot long turf airstrip about 100 feet before the end of the runway. However, the airplane did not climb out of ground effect and it settled into a bean field located off the end of the runway, substantially damaging both wings. He noted that the engine seemed to be "making good power" and there did not seem to be any mechanical issues during the accident takeoff. The pilot commented that the runway was rough and "needed the grass cut." He reduced the chemical load to 375 gallons due to the runway length and ambient temperature. In addition, the pilot stated that he extended the wing flaps to about three-quarters of full deflection for takeoff. The wind was from the south at about 3 knots. The accident takeoff was to the east.
A postaccident examination conducted by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector did not reveal any anomalies consistent with a preimpact failure or malfunction. At the time of the examination, the wing flap actuator extension corresponded to a full down (25 degrees) deflection. The airplane flight manual stated that takeoffs with a full chemical hopper load from a short field should be made with a 10-degree flap deflection. The manual also noted that the takeoff roll and acceleration will be adversely affected by grassy or soft runway surfaces. The flight manual did not authorize takeoffs with flaps extended in excess of 10 degrees.
The pilot reported an operating weight at the time of the accident of 10,100 lbs., with a maximum gross weight of 10,480 lbs. The airplane manufacturer's documentation specified a maximum certificated takeoff weight of 8,000 lbs. Regulations and FAA guidance allow agricultural operators of restricted category airplanes to operate at weights in excess of the maximum certificated weights. In accordance with Civil Aeronautics Manual (CAM) 8 and Advisory Circular 20-33B, the airplane manufacturer demonstrated operations at 9,400 lbs. However, the guidance allowed operations of the AT-502B at weights up to 31-percent above the certificated takeoff weight (10,480 lbs.) provided that the operator performed a flight check confirming safe flight characteristics at that weight.
The airplane flight manual noted a takeoff distance required to clear a 50-foot obstacle of about 2,600 feet. This distance was applicable to departure from a hard surface runway, at a gross weight of 8,000 lbs. with 10 degrees flaps, at a pressure altitude of 0 feet (sea level), and an ambient temperature of 30 degrees Celsius. The flight manual did not contain takeoff data for weights or flap settings in excess of 8,000 lbs. and 10 degrees, respectively. The airplane manufacturer did not recommend that takeoffs be attempted with more than 10 degrees of flap.
Federal Aviation Administration guidance contained in the Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25A) stated that a 10-percent increase in gross weight will result in at least a 21-percent increase in the takeoff distance required. In addition, the handbook noted that operations on any surface that is not hard and smooth will increase the ground roll during takeoff. The handbook also noted that it is possible to fly an airplane just clear of the ground at a slightly slower airspeed than that required to sustain level flight at higher altitudes due to a phenomenon known as ground effect. An airplane leaving ground effect after takeoff will experience an increase in drag and thrust required to maintain flight.
History of Flight
Initial climb Collision during takeoff/land (Defining event)
Pilot Information
Certificate: Commercial
Age: 67, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land; Multi-engine land
Seat Occupied: Front
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Helicopter
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 Without waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: January 11, 2012
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: December 17, 2011
Flight Time: 23000 hours (Total, all aircraft), 3000 hours (Total, this make and model), 300 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 150 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 0 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Make: AIR TRACTOR INC
Registration: N205SK
Model/Series: AT-502B
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture:
Amateur Built:
Airworthiness Certificate: Restricted (Special)
Serial Number: 502B-0628
Landing Gear Type: Seats: 1
Date/Type of Last Inspection: July 2, 2012 100 hour
Certified Max Gross Wt.:
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Turbo prop
Airframe Total Time: 6658 Hrs as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: P&W
ELT: Not installed
Engine Model/Series: PT6A SERIES
Registered Owner:
Rated Power: 500 Horsepower
Operator:
Operating Certificate(s) Held:
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC)
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: HEZ,272 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 22 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 10:55 Local
Direction from Accident Site: 145°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Few / 2400 ft AGL
Visibility 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: /
Wind Direction:
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: /
Altimeter Setting: 30.06 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 30°C / 22°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Wisner, LA (PVT)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Wisner, LA (PVT)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 11:00 Local
Type of Airspace:
Airport Information
Airport: Private PVT
Runway Surface Type: Grass/turf
Airport Elevation: 60 ft msl
Runway Surface Condition: Rough
Runway Used: 09
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 2300 ft / 75 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: None
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 1 Serious
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Serious
Latitude, Longitude: 31.946111,-91.562774 (est)
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