What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2005-07-23 involved an Air Tractor AT-502B, registration N50075, at Gassoway, LA.

Agricultural Pilot Strikes Cotton Plants During Fertilizer Release on Grass Airstrip (N50075)

On July 23, 2005, an Air Tractor AT-502B (registration N50075) was involved in an aviation accident near Gassoway, LA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's premature lift-off which resulted in an inadequate climb for terrain clearance. Also causal was the pilot's failure to abort the takeoff. A contributing factor was the high density altitude. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

During a short-field takeoff from a 2,000-foot grass airstrip, a commercial pilot attempted to release fertilizer after becoming airborne in ground effect, but the main landing gear struck cotton plants and impacted the ground.

Accident Overview

During a short-field takeoff from a 2,000-foot long grass airstrip, the airplane accelerated and became airborne in ground effect. After crossing over the departure end of the runway, the 6,710-hour commercial pilot attempted to release the load of fertilizer from the hopper. Subsequently, the main landing gear struck cotton plants and impacted the ground.

Environmental Conditions

The density altitude was calculated as 2,070 feet based on the following conditions: an outside air temperature of 90 degrees Fahrenheit, a dew point of 75 degrees Fahrenheit, an altimeter setting of 30.03 inches of Mercury, and a field elevation of 125 feet.

Summary

No injuries or damage were reported in the source. The aircraft type, registration, engine count, date, operator, location, and occupants were not specified. No causal analysis or conclusions were provided.

2005-07-23: Air Tractor AT-502B (N50075) — Gassoway, LA

Accident Overview

Environmental Conditions

Summary

More accident analyses