Casualties unknown

1998-07-09: Air Tractor AT-502 (N9185C) — Minto, ND

Minto, ND, US

On July 9, 1998, an Air Tractor AT-502 (registration N9185C) was involved in an aviation accident near Minto, ND. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff. Factors were wet and soft runway conditions, and a ditch and the end of the overrun 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 that during takeoff on a wet turf runway, the left main landing gear tire encountered a soft rut, causing the aircraft to yaw left. The pilot's head hit the roll-bar, and the aircraft subsequently impacted a ditch and nosed over.

Incident Description

During the takeoff roll, the aircraft used a runway consisting of 700 feet of concrete followed by 1,600 feet of wet turf. As the aircraft progressed onto the wet turf section, the left main landing gear tire encountered a soft rut. This caused the airplane to yaw to the left. The pilot reported that his head struck the roll-bar during the event.

Sequence of Events

After the yaw, the pilot attempted to recover. However, by the time he regained control, the aircraft had slowed sufficiently that it impacted a ditch at the end of the runway. The impact caused the aircraft to nose over.

Aircraft and Engine Status

The pilot did not indicate any mechanical problems with the airplane. He stated that the engine power remained at full throughout the takeoff roll.

Operational Conditions

The runway surface conditions included a concrete portion and a wet turf portion. The soft rut in the turf was identified as the trigger for the loss of directional control.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10497. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.