Casualties unknown

2001-06-30: Air Tractor AT-301 (N3656B) — Grygla, MN

Grygla, MN, US

On June 30, 2001, an Air Tractor AT-301 (registration N3656B) was involved in an aviation accident near Grygla, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot not maintaining altitude/clearance from terrain on takeoff. A factor was the high density altitude. 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

An aerial application aircraft was destroyed after hitting terrain during initial climbout from a private airstrip. The pilot reported no injuries and stated there was no mechanical malfunction.

Accident Overview

An aerial application airplane sustained substantial damage when it impacted terrain during the initial climbout from a private airstrip. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, reported no injuries. According to a written statement provided by the pilot, the aircraft was destroyed in the accident.

Pilot's Account

The pilot's statement described the takeoff conditions: "Took of[f] with a light load NW wind at 3-5 mph. Temp at 82[degrees.] After take off I passed trees on the west side of airport [and] right wing first fell [and] the air was bad [and] aircraft settled to the ground[.]"

The pilot specifically noted that no airplane "mechanical malfunction failure" occurred.

Environmental Conditions

Weather data recorded at a location 27 nautical miles and 230 degrees from the accident site indicated a temperature of 27 degrees Celsius. The density altitude at that location was 2,802 feet above mean sea level.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010703X01296. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.