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Casualties unknown

2007-08-30: Air Tractor AT-502B (N8521Z) — Thomas A Wood — Salome, AZ

Salome, AZ, US

On August 30, 2007, an Air Tractor AT-502B (registration N8521Z) operated by Thomas A Wood was involved in an aviation accident near Salome, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for the tailwind condition and failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll/run, which resulted in a ground loop. 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

During a downwind takeoff on Runway 27, the tail rose then dropped; the pilot aborted but the aircraft ground looped, damaging the left wing spars. Wind was from 135° at 10 knots gusting 20.

Pilot's Account

According to the pilot, during the downwind takeoff on Runway 27, the tail came up at the 'normal spot' then went back down. The pilot stated, "I wasn't going to get airborne by the end of the airstrip and attempted to stop the airplane." The aircraft then ground looped, with the left wing contacting the ground, turning the airplane 180 degrees. The aircraft came to rest upright facing the southeast.

Aircraft Damage

Damage to the left wing included both the front and rear spars being bent.

Airstrip and Wind Conditions

The pilot reported that the airstrip is a one-way strip running east and west, with takeoffs to the west only. At the time of the accident, the wind was from 135 degrees magnetic, estimated at 10 knots, with gusts estimated at 20 knots.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20071012X01578. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.