29 May 2009: AIR TRACTOR INC. AT-502 — R & R Flight Service

29 May 2009: AIR TRACTOR INC. AT-502 — R & R Flight Service

No fatalities • Mendota, IL, United States

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate preflight planning and preparation and his failure to perform an aborted takeoff.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The agricultural airplane was loaded about 300 pounds over its maximum gross weight for a commercial aerial application flight. The pilot stated that the airplane had not become airborne after traveling 3/4 down runway 36 (2,800 feet by 80 feet, turf). At that point in the takeoff, the pilot attempted to lift off, but the airplane settled back onto the runway. The airplane then overran the runway and hit a hill after which the airplane became airborne and then impacted the ground with its right wing tip and left wing resulting in substantial damage. The pilot sustained minor injuries.

Contributing factors

  • cause Pilot
  • cause Pilot
  • cause Incorrect use/operation

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 290/03kt, vis 10sm

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