Air Tractor AT-301A overruns airstrip in Cheyenne Wells

No fatalities • Cheyenne Wells, CO, United States

An agricultural spray airplane struck a fence post after failing to lift off during a departure roll in Colorado.

What happened

On March 15, 2012, an Air Tractor AT-301A, registration N7306C, was performing a departure roll from a dirt airstrip in Cheyenne Wells, Colorado. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft encountered wind shear. The pilot was unable to achieve enough lift to get the airplane off the ground, resulting in the aircraft overrunning the end of the airstrip. During the overrun, the airplane struck a fence post, causing substantial damage to the right wing.

There were no injuries resulting from the accident. Weather conditions at the time were visual meteorological conditions (VMC) with a visibility of 10 statute miles and winds from 340 degrees at 14 knots.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the pilot's failure to properly compensate for wind conditions during the takeoff roll.

Contributing factors

Takeoff distance — Not attained/maintainedResponse/compensationPilot

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Mar 2012 AIR TRACTOR INC AT-301A accident near Cheyenne Wells, CO?

An agricultural spray airplane struck a fence post after failing to lift off during a departure roll in Colorado.

Were there any fatalities in the 15 Mar 2012 AIR TRACTOR INC AT-301A accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Mar 2012 involved a AIR TRACTOR INC AT-301A, operated by NICKEL D LLC, at Cheyenne Wells, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the pilot's failure to properly compensate for wind conditions during the takeoff roll.

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