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Aerial Application Aircraft Strikes Levee After Takeoff (N10103)

Wabbaseka, AR, US

On August 26, 1989, an Air Tractor AT-401 (registration N10103) was involved in an aviation accident near Wabbaseka, AR. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: IMPROPER PLANNING/DECISION BY THE PILOT WHICH RESULTED IN HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE FROM THE TALL VEGETATION (GRASS). THE TALL VEGETATION & HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE WERE CONSIDERED TO BE CONTRIBUTING FACTORS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An aerial application aircraft contacted tall grass and veered into a rice field, striking a levee and damaging the landing gear after the pilot initiated a shallow right turn shortly after takeoff.

Incident Overview

An aerial application pilot reported that shortly after takeoff, while initiating a shallow right turn, the aircraft began to settle. The right wing and spray boom subsequently contacted tall grass. The aircraft then veered into a rice field, where it struck a levee, resulting in damage to the landing gear.

Pilot Observations

The pilot noted that the ambient temperature was 87 degrees Fahrenheit and the density altitude was approximately 2,000 feet. He expressed the belief that these conditions may have contributed to the occurrence. Additionally, the pilot reported that he did not have sufficient time to dump the chemical load before the incident.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 26 Aug 1989 Air Tractor AT-401 accident near Wabbaseka, AR?

An aerial application aircraft contacted tall grass and veered into a rice field, striking a levee and damaging the landing gear after the pilot initiated a shallow right turn shortly after takeoff.

Were there any fatalities in the 26 Aug 1989 Air Tractor AT-401 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 26 Aug 1989 involved an Air Tractor AT-401, registration N10103, at Wabbaseka, AR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

IMPROPER PLANNING/DECISION BY THE PILOT WHICH RESULTED IN HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE FROM THE TALL VEGETATION (GRASS). THE TALL VEGETATION & HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE WERE CONSIDERED TO BE CONTRIBUTING FACTORS.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29221. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.