Casualties unknown

2005-03-02: Air Tractor AT-602 (N5006V) — Gentry's Flying Service, Llc. — Panama City, FL

Panama City, FL, US

On March 2, 2005, an Air Tractor AT-602 (registration N5006V) operated by Gentry's Flying Service, Llc. was involved in an aviation accident near Panama City, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to remove frost from the airplane which resulted in an inadvertent stall/mush during the takeoff/initial climb, and an in-flight collision with trees. 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 turbine-powered airplane carrying 3,500 pounds of fertilizer struck trees after a bounced takeoff on a rough airstrip with heavy frost. The pilot, a commercial certificate holder, was unhurt per the operator's report.

Accident Overview

A turbine-powered airplane operated by a company for fertilizer application experienced a loss of control during takeoff from a private airstrip. The aircraft, carrying 3,500 pounds of fertilizer, sustained substantial damage to its wings, fuselage, and empennage. The operator reported that the pilot, who held a commercial pilot certificate, was not injured, and no preaccident mechanical anomalies were found.

Sequence of Events

According to the operator, the accident flight was the pilot's first flight of the day. Prior to departure, heavy frost was observed on the aircraft. During the takeoff run on the rough and uneven airstrip, the main wheels struck a bump, causing the airplane to bounce into the air. Once airborne, the airplane rolled left, and the left wing struck the ground. The operator reported that at this point, the airplane was trying to gain altitude but stalled and went into the trees under full power.

Aircraft and Operator Information

The operator described the airplane as turbine-powered and equipped for agricultural operations. The pilot was a certificated commercial pilot. The operator did not specify the aircraft type, registration, or other details. The flight was intended to apply fertilizer.

Damage and Investigation

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage. The operator stated there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies. The accident occurred on a private airstrip; no other information about the location or time was provided.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050414X00454. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.