Casualties unknown

2003-04-18: Air Tractor AT-301 (N36531) — Batchelor, LA

Batchelor, LA, US

On April 18, 2003, an Air Tractor AT-301 (registration N36531) was involved in an aviation accident near Batchelor, LA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to abort the takeoff with adequate runway available. A contributing 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

During a short field takeoff from a dirt runway, an agricultural airplane became airborne in ground effect. The pilot reported wheels dragging in wheat, attempted to dump chemical load but pulled the wrong lever, leading to a wingtip strike and cartwheel.

Incident Overview

An agricultural airplane experienced a mishap during a short field takeoff from a dirt runway. The aircraft accelerated and became airborne while remaining in ground effect. As the airplane passed the end of the runway, the pilot noted that the wheels were dragging in the wheat crop. The pilot believed the airplane could continue to fly in ground effect and attempted to jettison the chemical load. However, instead of activating the emergency hopper dump lever, the pilot inadvertently pulled the spray handle.

Sequence of Events

Following the incorrect lever operation, the right wingtip contacted the ground. The airplane then cartwheeled and came to rest in an inverted position. The density altitude at the time of the accident was calculated to be 1,728 feet, based on an outside air temperature of 20°C, a dew point of 16°C, and an altimeter setting of 29.91 inches of mercury.

Additional Details

No further information regarding the aircraft type, registration, operator, or occupants is provided in the source. The source does not specify any injuries, fatalities, or extent of damage beyond the aircraft coming to rest inverted.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030425X00563. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.