Casualties unknown

1997-04-18: Air Tractor AT-401 (N1008P) — Highmore, SD

Highmore, SD, US

On April 18, 1997, an Air Tractor AT-401 (registration N1008P) was involved in an aviation accident near Highmore, SD. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft failed to climb after liftoff, resulting in an overrun and collision with a fence. 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 heavily loaded aircraft failed to climb after takeoff, striking a perimeter fence at the end of the runway and flipping over.

What happened

A Cessna (type not specified) was engaged in a takeoff roll carrying 2,400 pounds of fertilizer and 100 gallons of fuel. The aircraft lifted off at approximately 1,900 feet along the 2,800-foot runway. Following liftoff, the airplane failed to achieve a positive climb.

In an attempt to manage the weight, the pilot executed an emergency dump of the fertilizer before the aircraft reached the end of the runway. The aircraft subsequently collided with a six-foot-high fence located at the runway terminus, which caused the plane to flip over. The pilot reported that the takeoff sequence appeared normal and noted no discrepancies regarding the engine or airframe during the taxi, run-up, or takeoff roll.

At the time of the accident, other aircraft of the same type with similar loads under comparable conditions were utilizing approximately 80 percent of the available runway length.

Probable cause

The aircraft failed to climb after liftoff, resulting in an overrun and collision with a fence.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07684. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.