On 10 Jul 2009, an AIR TRACTOR INC AT-502B operated by BEAR BAYOU AG SERVICE was involved in an aviation accident near Reydell, AR. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inability to maintain control of the airplane when it unexpectedly encountered a whirlwind shortly after takeoff. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aerial application flight encountered a left turning tendency after takeoff. The pilot suspected a whirlwind and attempted control. The airplane entered dead air space just above ground and collided with terrain, suffering substantial wing damage.
Accident Details
A pilot conducting an aerial application flight departed from a private airstrip. During the initial climb, the aircraft exhibited an uncommanded left turning tendency. The pilot attributed this behavior to a possible whirlwind and took corrective action to maintain control. As the airplane climbed, it entered what the pilot described as a "dead air space" at an altitude of approximately 5 to 10 feet above the ground. The airplane subsequently struck the terrain and came to rest in an upright position.
Both wings sustained substantial damage during the impact. The pilot was able to bring the aircraft to a stop without further incident.
Post-Accident Inspection
Following the accident, a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined the airplane for any pre-existing mechanical issues. The inspection did not reveal any anomalies or malfunctions that could have contributed to the loss of control. The exact cause of the left turning tendency or the presence of a whirlwind could not be substantiated from the physical evidence.