On May 24, 2004, an Air Tractor AT-402 (registration N45553) was involved in an aviation accident near Beedeville, AR. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during landing roll-out. Contributing factors were the crosswind and condition of the the runway. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot with 14,000 hours reported his tailwheel-equipped airplane veered left during landing roll on a rough grass airstrip, struck a tree with the left wing, then ground-looped into trees with the right wing and propeller.
Landing and Loss of Directional Control
The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane landed to the east on a 2,500-foot rough grass airstrip. A prevailing crosswind from the south was present. During the landing roll-out, the pilot reversed the propeller into beta mode to accelerate braking. According to the pilot, directional control was "minimized due to the crosswind", propeller reversal, and the condition of the runway.
Wing Strike and Ground Loop
The airplane subsequently drifted to the left, resulting in the left wing tip colliding with a tree. This impact caused the airplane to ground loop. During the ground loop, the right wing and propeller struck additional trees. The pilot stated that no mechanical deficiencies were noted with the airplane.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 24 May 2004 Air Tractor AT-402 accident near Beedeville, AR?
A pilot with 14,000 hours reported his tailwheel-equipped airplane veered left during landing roll on a rough grass airstrip, struck a tree with the left wing, then ground-looped into trees with the right wing and propeller.
Were there any fatalities in the 24 May 2004 Air Tractor AT-402 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 24 May 2004 involved an Air Tractor AT-402, registration N45553, at Beedeville, AR.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during landing roll-out. Contributing factors were the crosswind and condition of the the runway.
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