Casualties unknown

1998-06-04: Air Tractor 502 (N1502U) — Shannon Agricultural Flying — Clarksdale, MS

Clarksdale, MS, US

On June 4, 1998, an Air Tractor 502 (registration N1502U) operated by Shannon Agricultural Flying was involved in an aviation accident near Clarksdale, MS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot became distracted by the loader, resulting in his failure to extend the flaps for takeoff. 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 that distraction from an unusually large loader deposit led to failure to extend flaps, resulting in a runway excursion and collapsed landing gear.

Accident Details

According to the pilot, during the pre-takeoff sequence, he became distracted by the loader placing a greater amount of material into the hopper than in previous loads. This distraction led to his failure to extend the flaps for takeoff.

During the takeoff roll, the pilot noted that the airplane was not becoming airborne at the point where it previously had. He attributed this to the increased load rather than recognizing the absence of flaps. The airplane continued beyond the end of the runway and entered a field, where the right main landing gear collapsed.

Probable Cause

The probable cause of the accident was the pilot's distraction caused by the loader, which resulted in his failure to extend the flaps before takeoff.

Aftermath

The airplane sustained damage to the right main landing gear as it collapsed upon entering the field. The pilot's account provides the sole description of the events leading to the runway excursion.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10382. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.