Casualties unknown

1994-07-28: Air Tractor AT-301 (N3611Z) — Halstad, MN

Halstad, MN, US

On July 28, 1994, an Air Tractor AT-301 (registration N3611Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Halstad, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the commercial pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain during the attempted takeoff. Related factors are the soft terrain and the deterioration in aircraft performance due to the high gross weight. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A commercial pilot, carrying 2,720 pounds of chemicals for aerial application, attempted takeoff from a soft grass airstrip. The airplane lifted off but its tailwheel struck an embankment, causing a nose-down pitch and overturn.

Overview

A commercial pilot was conducting an aerial application flight with a load of 2,720 pounds of chemicals. The takeoff was attempted from a soft grass airstrip. During the takeoff roll, the airplane became airborne, but the tailwheel subsequently struck an embankment.

Sequence of Events

According to the pilot, after liftoff, the tailwheel contacted an embankment. The impact caused the airplane to pitch nose down upon rebound. The aircraft continued forward and came to rest inverted in a field.

Weight Information

The airplane's manual specifies a maximum gross weight of 5,000 pounds. However, the accident airplane was certificated in the restricted category. At the time of the accident, the estimated gross weight was 7,003 pounds, which exceeded the manual's recommendation by approximately 2,003 pounds.

Operational Context

The flight was intended for aerial application purposes. The airstrip surface was described as soft grass, which may affect takeoff performance. No further details about the aircraft type, registration, or environmental conditions were provided in the available information.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X01681. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.