On June 19, 2001, an Air Tractor AT-502B (registration N6082B) operated by Name was involved in an aviation accident near Newport, AR. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the loss of control during takeoff initial climb as a result of encountering wake turbulence due to the pilot's failure to recognize the hazard and delay the takeoff. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An agricultural airplane encountered wake turbulence during takeoff from a grass airstrip. The pilot turned left to escape, but the left wing and landing gear struck the ground, causing the airplane to bounce and land on its tail.
Incident Description
An agricultural airplane was taking off from a grass airstrip. It was following another agricultural airplane of the same type that had departed shortly before. During the initial climb, the airplane encountered wake turbulence from the preceding aircraft. The pilot attempted to exit the turbulence by turning the airplane to the left, later stating he was "trying to get out of it." While executing this turn, the airplane's left wing and left main landing gear struck the ground. The impact caused the airplane to bounce on its right wing, after which it landed on its empennage (tail section). The airplane then came to rest upright in an open field. The pilot indicated that the accident could have been avoided if he had waited "about one more minute" before beginning his takeoff.
What happened in the 19 Jun 2001 Air Tractor AT-502B accident near Newport, AR?
An agricultural airplane encountered wake turbulence during takeoff from a grass airstrip. The pilot turned left to escape, but the left wing and landing gear struck the ground, causing the airplane to bounce and land on its tail.
Were there any fatalities in the 19 Jun 2001 Air Tractor AT-502B accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 19 Jun 2001 involved an Air Tractor AT-502B, registration N6082B, operated by Name, at Newport, AR.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
the loss of control during takeoff initial climb as a result of encountering wake turbulence due to the pilot's failure to recognize the hazard and delay the takeoff.
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