On November 9, 1996, an Air Tractor AT-401 (registration N1014N) was involved in an aviation accident near Calexico, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's premature lift-off from the runway and his failure to attain adequate airspeed. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Following takeoff, the aircraft failed to gain altitude and settled back onto the runway surface, striking the edge of an irrigation canal at the departure end.
What happened
The pilot reported that after liftoff, the aircraft settled back to the surface and the main landing gear contacted the far edge of an irrigation canal bank at the runway's departure end. The temperature was 88 degrees Fahrenheit at the time the accident occurred and the density altitude was computed to be 1,894 feet msl.
The investigation
No further mechanical examination details were provided in the source material.
Findings
The aircraft failed to climb adequately after takeoff. Environmental conditions included a temperature of 88 degrees Fahrenheit and a density altitude of 1,894 feet.
What happened in the 9 Nov 1996 Air Tractor AT-401 accident near Calexico, CA?
Following takeoff, the aircraft failed to gain altitude and settled back onto the runway surface, striking the edge of an irrigation canal at the departure end.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 9 Nov 1996 involved an Air Tractor AT-401, registration N1014N, at Calexico, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
the pilot's premature lift-off from the runway and his failure to attain adequate airspeed.
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