On 7 May 2012, an AIR TRACTOR INC AT-502B operated by INDEPENDENT DUSTING SERVICE INC was involved in an aviation accident near El Campo, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to rotate early, the airplane’s subsequent inability to climb, and the pilot’s delayed decision to abort the takeoff. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot rotated early to avoid ground equipment, causing the airplane to settle back onto the runway. After aborting the takeoff, the aircraft was traveling too fast to stop and collided with obstacles, resulting in substantial damage.
Departure Incident
During departure from a private airstrip, the pilot initiated an early rotation of the airplane to avoid ground equipment positioned near the end of the runway. This action prevented the aircraft from climbing normally; instead, it settled back onto the runway surface. The airplane failed to become airborne, prompting the pilot to abort the takeoff.
Aborted Takeoff and Collision
Having committed to the takeoff, the airplane was traveling at a speed too high to stop within the remaining runway length. To avoid collisions with parked vehicles, the pilot maneuvered the aircraft. However, the airplane subsequently struck obstacles and terrain, causing substantial damage to the fuselage and wings.