Casualties unknown

1997-10-03: Air Tractor AT-602 (N602GB) — Plains, TX

Plains, TX, US

On October 3, 1997, an Air Tractor AT-602 (registration N602GB) was involved in an aviation accident near Plains, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper decision to initiate takeoff with a vehicle on the runway. 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

During takeoff, an agricultural airplane's left wing struck a parked pickup truck on a closed runway undergoing resurfacing. The pilot, who had permission to use the runway, attempted to avoid the collision but was unable to.

Incident Overview

An agricultural airplane collided with a parked pickup truck during its initial takeoff climb, resulting in the airplane striking the ground. The runway was closed for resurfacing at the time, but the pilot had received authorization from the supervisor of the runway workcrew to use the runway.

Pilot Actions and Collision

The pilot was aware of the position of the workcrew's pickup truck when he began his takeoff roll, as the truck was parked on the runway. He believed the truck was in the process of moving off the runway. However, when the airplane reached a speed of 70 mph, the pilot realized the truck had not moved. He attempted to avoid the collision but was unable to do so. The left wing of the airplane subsequently struck the truck, and the airplane impacted the ground.

Context

The incident occurred on a runway that was closed for resurfacing. The pilot had received explicit permission from the supervisor to use the runway despite the ongoing work. The pickup truck, belonging to the workcrew, remained stationary on the runway during the takeoff roll.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X09003. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.