Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:
Accident Number: CEN20CA153
Date & Time: 04/21/2020, 1800 CDT
Registration: N653LA
Aircraft: Air Tractor AT 602
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Collision during takeoff/land
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 137: Agricultural
Analysis
The pilot reported that the turf airstrip had a "sunken area," which created a "ramp." During takeoff, the airplane encountered this portion of the airstrip and became "airborne prematurely." The airplane subsequently settled into ground effect; however, the left wing impacted a small tree near the end of the runway, and the airplane then pitched "downward and left," and the airplane was unable to maintain altitude. The airplane impacted a field off the end of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures 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 airplane's encounter with a sunken area during takeoff from a turf runway, which resulted in the airplane becoming prematurely airborne and impacting a tree and then terrain.
Findings
Environmental issues (general) - Effect on operation
Environmental issues Tree(s) - Effect on operation
Factual Information
History of Flight
Takeoff Collision during takeoff/land (Defining event)
Takeoff Loss of control in flight
Pilot Information
Certificate: Commercial
Age: 45, 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 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 02/04/2020
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 01/08/2019
Flight Time: 7700 hours (Total, all aircraft), 756 hours (Total, this make and model), 7618 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 125 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 80 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 0 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Make: Air Tractor
Registration: N653LA
Model/Series: AT 602 No Series
Aircraft Category:Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2002
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Restricted
Serial Number: 602-0653
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 1
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 04/17/2020, 100 Hour
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 12500 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 10 Hours
Engines: 1 Turbo Prop
Airframe Total Time: 9550 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Pratt & Whitney Canada
ELT: Not installed
Engine Model/Series: PT6A-60AG
Registered Owner: Central Farmers Cooperative
Rated Power:1050 hp
Operator: Central Farmers Cooperative
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Agricultural Aircraft (137)
Operator Does Business As: Central Farmers Flying Service
Operator Designator Code: SIRG
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: ACP, 107 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 15 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1755 CDT
Direction from Accident Site: 282°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility: 10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 5 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:
Wind Direction: 130°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:
Altimeter Setting: 29.96 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 28°C / 15°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Mamou, LA (PVT)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Mamou, LA (PVT)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1810 CDT
Type of Airspace: Class G
Airport Information
Airport: Deculus Satellite Airstrip (N/A)
Runway Surface Type: Grass/turf
Airport Elevation: 65 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry; Rough
Runway Used: 18
IFR Approach:None
Runway Length/Width: 3550 ft / 70 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: None
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: 30.589444, -92.427778
All the mud-painted 4x4 trucks around there (a way of proudly showing the public you *really* use your 4x4 truck) are going to be jealous of this mud paint.
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