On May 17, 1998, an Air Tractor AT-502B (registration N502JF) was involved in an aviation accident near Parkin, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's improper planning/decision, which resulted in his failure to maintain sufficient altitude/clearance from trees at the departure end of the airstrip. Related factors were: high density altitude and trees at the departure end of the airstrip. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During takeoff from a dirt strip, an airplane failed to clear a tree line and collided with an oak tree. The pilot reported normal engine performance; density altitude was estimated at 2,200 feet.
Accident Overview
A pilot reported that while taking off from a dirt airstrip, the airplane was unable to clear a tree line located approximately 200 feet beyond the departure end of the runway. Local law enforcement officers stated that the airplane collided with an oak tree at the departure end of the airstrip. The pilot was attempting to take off to the south while carrying a load of dry fertilizer.
Aircraft and Flight Details
The pilot reported that the engine was performing normally during the takeoff attempt. He estimated that the aircraft had approximately 100 gallons of fuel on board at the time of the accident. The position of the flaps could not be determined during the investigation.
Investigation Findings
During the investigation, the density altitude at the time of the accident was estimated to be about 2,200 feet. No further details regarding the cause of the accident were provided in the source material.