Accident Overview
On July 31, 2009, at approximately 1100 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-502B, registered as N60237, was substantially damaged after a loss of control shortly after takeoff from a private airstrip in Minter City, Mississippi. The aircraft was operated by a private individual under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 for an agricultural flight. The certificated commercial pilot sustained serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.
Pilot Account
According to the pilot, he was on his fourth load of the day, having taken on 430 gallons of fungicide. He departed to the northeast and then turned west. He reported that everything was normal until he approached a pecan orchard. As he neared the trees, the airplane began to "mush" and started shaking. He stated that he "hit" the dump lever but not hard enough to activate it. He next recalled being on the tailgate of a truck.
Witness Information
The pilot's brother reported that he spoke with the pilot in the hospital and asked if he had experienced a loss of engine power. The pilot responded that he had not. The brother stated that the pilot had taken off to the northeast and turned west but was unable to clear the pecan trees. The airplane struck three pecan trees, spun around, and came to rest on the ground, facing northeast again.
Wreckage Examination
An inspector from the Federal Aviation Administration examined the wreckage. The engine was separated from the airframe, with the propeller attached. The propeller blades were bent and curled. The wings sustained damage from tree impacts along the leading edge. The cockpit was crushed, and the empennage had separated near the vertical stabilizer. Examination of the engine and airframe found no evidence that would have prevented normal operation.