Accident Details
On June 16, 2014, at approximately 1130 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT 502 airplane, registration N9184T, impacted terrain after departing a private strip near Dell, Arkansas. The airplane was registered to and operated by Simpson Air Inc. under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 as an aerial application flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed; no flight plan was filed. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot received minor injuries, and the airplane sustained substantial damage.
Pilot Account
According to the pilot, the airplane's hopper was almost completely loaded with dry fertilizer material, and the takeoff weight was 7,918.83 pounds, with the airplane's maximum gross weight being 8,000 pounds. After loading, the pilot attempted to depart to the west. He advanced the throttle and continued down the runway. The airplane got onto the step and began to climb when he felt the airplane decelerate. The airplane was no longer able to maintain a climb; the pilot lost control, and the airplane cartwheeled into a field straight ahead, coming to rest upright. The empennage separated from the rear fuselage, and the right wing was twisted aft and down. The pilot reported that he did not notice a change in engine sound and was confident the flight controls did not malfunction.
Weather Information
At 1155, the automated weather report at Blytheville, Arkansas (9 miles northeast) indicated: wind from 170 degrees at 8 knots gusting to 15 knots, 10 miles visibility, few clouds at 3,800 feet, temperature 90°F, dew point 72°F, altimeter setting 30.11 inches of mercury. The density altitude was calculated to be 2,377 feet.
Aircraft Information
A postaccident examination of the engine and airframe revealed impact damage and no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The power turbine section of the engine was replaced on June 6, 2014, by Covington Aircraft following a propeller strike incident about one week prior to the accident flight.