Casualties unknown

1998-06-12: Air Tractor AT-502B (N6107W) — Edna, TX

Edna, TX, US

On June 12, 1998, an Air Tractor AT-502B (registration N6107W) was involved in an aviation accident near Edna, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for the existing wind conditions. Factors were the crosswind, the dust devils, and the confined landing area. 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 losing control while landing on a crowned, narrow dirt airstrip bordered by an electric fence, with a brisk crosswind and dust devils present. After a normal touchdown, the airplane drifted left, struck a dirt mound, and nosed over.

Incident Overview

The pilot reported that he lost control of the airplane during a landing on a crowned, narrow dirt airstrip. The airstrip was further confined by an electric fence running parallel to it. No windsock was available at the airstrip. The pilot stated that the intensity of the wind increased throughout the day as temperatures rose and the air became more unstable.

Conditions at the Time

A 'brisk crosswind prevailed from his right,' and dust devils were prevalent throughout the area when the pilot executed his ninth landing of the day at the airstrip. The winds reported at Victoria Airport, located 21 miles southeast of the accident site, were from 180 degrees at 18 knots, gusting to 23 knots.

Sequence of Events

The pilot added that after 'touching down normally,' the airplane drifted off the centerline of the airstrip toward the left edge of the runway. The pilot was unable to correct for the drift, and the left main wheel impacted a mound of dirt on the edge of the strip. The airplane nosed over and came to rest in the inverted position.

Probable Cause

The source does not provide a stated probable cause.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10313. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.