Accident Details
On June 23, 2013, at approximately 1630 central daylight time, an Air Tractor Inc. AT-502B, registration N6017E, sustained substantial damage when it settled into a field after takeoff near Campbell, Nebraska. The commercial pilot was not injured. The aircraft was registered to and operated by Campbell Aerial Spraying, Inc., under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 as an aerial application flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and the flight was conducted without a flight plan. The accident occurred at the time of origin.
Pre-Flight Configuration
Before takeoff, the airplane was loaded with 170 gallons of chemicals, and the fuel tanks were half full. The pilot estimated the aircraft's weight at the time of the accident to be 7,268 pounds, which was 732 pounds below the maximum gross weight.
Takeoff Events
During the takeoff roll, the airplane reached the expected rotation point but was "not flying yet." The pilot scanned the gauges, verified full power, and added additional flaps. The airplane became airborne but then settled to the ground. It subsequently impacted a fence and rotated 180 degrees before coming to a complete stop.
Damage Description
According to the Federal Aviation Administration inspector who responded to the accident, the right main landing gear separated from the airframe during ground impact. The right wing was bent and wrinkled, and the fuselage structure was bent and broken. The mechanic responsible for repairing the airplane reported minor damage to the fuselage and substantial damage to the right wing.
Pilot Statement and Conditions
The pilot stated that there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane prior to the accident. Calculations of relevant meteorological data indicated a density altitude of about 4,100 feet.
Flight Manual Information
The flight manual for the Air Tractor AT-502B states that flaps should be retracted for a normal takeoff. A takeoff from a short field with a full hopper requires 10 degrees of flaps. Air Tractor does not provide performance expectations or guidance for the use of more than 10 degrees of flaps during takeoff.