Casualties unknown

2007-08-29: Air Tractor AT-502B (N6003G) — Cyr Aviation — Blythe, CA

Blythe, CA, US

On August 29, 2007, an Air Tractor AT-502B (registration N6003G) operated by Cyr Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Blythe, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall. A contributing factor was the high density altitude. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff on a 2,400-foot asphalt strip, the pilot noted sluggish performance and added full power. The aircraft became airborne in ground effect, then impacted terrain past a crowned road, veering 180 degrees before stopping upright.

Accident Sequence

During the takeoff roll on a 2,400-foot-long asphalt airstrip, the 7,650-hour pilot observed that the airplane was very sluggish approximately 60% of the way down the runway. Unable to stop, the pilot elected to add full power. The aircraft subsequently became airborne in ground effect; however, it settled and impacted terrain on the other side of a crowned road past the end of the runway. After impacting the ground, the airplane veered 180 degrees to the right before coming to rest upright.

Pilot's Comments

The pilot stated that the accident could have been prevented if he had reduced his load and had stopped flying when it became too hot.

Environmental Conditions

The density altitude was calculated at 3,672 feet based on an outside air temperature of 41 degrees Celsius, a dew point of 12 degrees Celsius, and an altimeter setting of 29.65 inches of Mercury.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20070831X01276. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.