Casualties unknown

1998-07-17: Air Tractor 502 (N9184R) — Clewiston, FL

Clewiston, FL, US

On July 17, 1998, an Air Tractor 502 (registration N9184R) was involved in an aviation accident near Clewiston, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to attain adequate airspeed. A tailwind was a contributing factor. 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 initiated a takeoff to the east from the last half of a one-mile dirt road. After becoming airborne, the airplane cleared a 10-foot obstruction near the end of the road, then began descending and impacted a sugar cane field, coming to rest upright.

Incident Overview

A pilot performed a takeoff from the last half of a one-mile dirt road in an eastward direction. After achieving flight, the aircraft cleared a 10-foot-high obstruction situated near the end of the road. Subsequently, the airplane began to lose altitude and descended into a sugar cane field, where it struck the ground and came to rest in an upright position.

Sequence of Events

The takeoff was initiated from the latter portion of a one-mile dirt road. Once airborne, the aircraft successfully passed over a 10-foot-tall obstacle located close to the road's terminus. Following this clearance, the airplane commenced a descent, eventually impacting the terrain within a sugar cane field. The aircraft remained upright after the impact.

Pilot Statement

The pilot reported that there was no mechanical failure or malfunction during the flight. The pilot further noted that the wind at the time of the incident was from the west-southwest direction. No additional details regarding the cause of the descent were provided.

Weather Conditions

At the time of the event, the wind was recorded as coming from the west-southwest. The source does not specify wind speed, visibility, or other meteorological factors.

Conclusion

The incident involved a takeoff from a dirt road, clearance of a 10-foot obstruction, followed by an unintended descent and impact with a sugar cane field. The pilot stated that no mechanical issues were present. The aircraft came to rest upright.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10660. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.