Casualties unknown

1998-01-29: Air Tractor AT-602 (N50929) — Wrightsville, GA

Wrightsville, GA, US

On January 29, 1998, an Air Tractor AT-602 (registration N50929) was involved in an aviation accident near Wrightsville, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the pilot to maintain airspeed (Vs) resulting in the inadvertent stall during the initial climb. 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 pilot reported difficulty accelerating during takeoff, leading to a left roll and impact. The aircraft inverted, and the pilot sustained fractures. Post-accident checks found no preimpact engine failure.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that after starting the engine, he remained on the ground for approximately 45 minutes with the engine running while reviewing charts and attempting to eliminate frost from the wings. He had also parked the airplane the previous night so that sunlight would contact the wings to remove frost. After maneuvering onto the runway and applying full power, the engine torque indicated at the upper red line. About halfway down the runway, the pilot noted that the airplane was not accelerating as it had the day before. With insufficient runway remaining to stop, he continued the takeoff.

Departure and Impact

The airplane lifted off the ground, then rolled to the left, impacted the ground, and rolled inverted. The pilot experienced difficulty exiting through the left cockpit door and was assisted by ground personnel. His injuries included fractured vertebrae.

Post-Accident Examination

A post-accident examination of the left cockpit door emergency release assembly revealed that the forward hinge was slightly dented; no other discrepancies were noted. The engine was removed from the airplane and sent to the manufacturer's facility for further examination, which revealed no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X09485. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.