Loss of Control on Ground: Air Tractor AT-400A, N400DQ; accident occurred March 11, 2019 at Parma Airport (50S), Canyon County, Idaho

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Boise, Idaho

Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms

https://registry.faa.gov/N400DQ

Location: PARMA, ID
Accident Number: GAA19CA163
Date & Time: 03/11/2019, 1430 PDT
Registration: N400DQ
Aircraft: Air Tractor AT 400A
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 137: Agricultural 

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during the landing roll, the tail "lifted back up" due to a "wind gust", the airplane veered left, spun, exited the runway and the right wing impacted the muddy terrain.

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.

The pilot reported the wind was light and variable at 5 knots.

An automated weather observation station, located about 15 nautical miles from the accident site, about 30 minutes prior to the accident, reported the wind was from 150° at 4 knots and about 30 minutes after the accident, reported the wind was from 120° at 5 knots. The pilot landed the airplane on runway 30. 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial
Age: 64, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Single
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
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: 06/14/2018
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 02/02/2019
Flight Time: (Estimated) 9033.7 hours (Total, all aircraft), 2109.7 hours (Total, this make and model), 8992.7 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 27.4 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 17 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Air Tractor
Registration: N400DQ
Model/Series: AT 400A No Series
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Restricted
Serial Number: 301-0343
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 1
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 06/10/2018, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.:
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Turbo Prop
Airframe Total Time:  at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Pratt & Whitney
ELT: Not installed
Engine Model/Series: PT6A-15AG
Registered Owner: Oregon Trail Air Service Llc
Rated Power: 680 hp
Operator: Oregon Trail Air Service Llc
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Agricultural Aircraft (137)

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KONO, 2193 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 15 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1953 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 348°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 4 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 150°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.24 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 8°C / -5°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: PARMA, ID (50S)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: PARMA, ID (50S)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1130 PDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: Parma (50S)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt; Ice
Airport Elevation: 2228 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Wet
Runway Used: 30
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 2700 ft / 50 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop; Traffic Pattern

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 43.778889, -116.938611 (est)