On 20 May 2010, an AIR TRACTOR INC AT-301 operated by RUSTY'S FLYING SERVICE was involved in an aviation accident near D'Hanis, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot failed to properly configure the aircraft's flaps prior to takeoff. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft failed to become airborne during a departure for an aerial application flight, resulting in a collision with fences at the end of the runway.
What happened
During a departure from the pilot's home field for an aerial application flight, the aircraft failed to achieve sufficient lift to become airborne. As the aircraft continued down the runway, it collided with several fences located at the end of the runway. The pilot identified that the flaps had been left in the up position during the takeoff attempt.
Findings
Both wings of the aircraft sustained substantial rearward crushing as a result of the collision.
The pilot and the operator reported that there were no deficiencies with the aircraft prior to the accident.
The accident was caused by the pilot's failure to properly set the flaps before takeoff.
Probable cause
The pilot failed to properly configure the aircraft's flaps prior to takeoff.