On August 12, 2007, an Air Tractor AT-502B (registration N61352) was involved in an aviation accident near Cooksville, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The partial loss of engine power during the takeoff roll for undetermined reasons and the pilot's unsuccessful compensation for the tailwind conditions. Factors contributing to the accident were the tailwind and the corn crop. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane sustained substantial damage during takeoff from a grass airstrip when it failed to clear the corn at the end of the runway. The pilot reported a rear gust of wind and noted engine performance concerns.
Event
The airplane sustained substantial damage during takeoff from a grass airstrip when it failed to clear the corn at the end of the airstrip.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that he was departing on his fourth flight of the day. The airplane was loaded with 425 gallons of water and chemicals and 150 gallons of fuel. He stated that he checked the wind before takeoff and it appeared there was no wind. During his takeoff roll, he encountered a substantial gust of wind from the rear that prevented him from keeping the airplane airborne. He also mentioned that if the engine had been producing its maximum rated horsepower, the gust of wind would not have been the deciding factor in the takeoff.