Casualties unknown

Pilot Collides with Marker Barrels and Sugar Cane During Takeoff (N9186J)

Clewiston, FL, US

On July 10, 1995, an Air Tractor AT-401 (registration N9186J) was involved in an aviation accident near Clewiston, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to take off with a quartering tailwind without accounting for its effect on performance, which resulted in an inadequate climb gradient and collision with obstacles. 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 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot terminated spray operations due to weather, then attempted takeoff during a break. The aircraft struck marker barrels and sugar cane plants shortly after liftoff under reported no-wind conditions.

What happened

The pilot had been conducting agricultural spray operations when adverse weather conditions forced a temporary pause in the work. Waiting for a break in the weather, the pilot elected to resume flight operations despite reporting no wind at the time of departure.

During the takeoff roll, the aircraft failed to gain sufficient altitude or clear the runway environment. Instead, it collided with marker barrels and sugar cane plants located near the end of the runway. The impact occurred shortly after the airplane left the ground.

The investigation

Post-accident analysis of wind conditions revealed a discrepancy between the pilot's initial assessment and actual atmospheric data. The evaluation showed that the aircraft attempted to takeoff with a quartering tailwind, contrary to the pilot's earlier report of no wind conditions.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to take off with a quartering tailwind without accounting for its effect on performance, which resulted in an inadequate climb gradient and collision with obstacles.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 Jul 1995 Air Tractor AT-401 accident near Clewiston, FL?

A pilot terminated spray operations due to weather, then attempted takeoff during a break. The aircraft struck marker barrels and sugar cane plants shortly after liftoff under reported no-wind conditions.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 Jul 1995 involved an Air Tractor AT-401, registration N9186J, at Clewiston, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision to take off with a quartering tailwind without accounting for its effect on performance, which resulted in an inadequate climb gradient and collision with obstacles.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X04028. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.