On 22 Jul 2015, an AIR TRACTOR INC AT 402B B operated by Aerial Application was involved in an aviation accident near Monte Vista, CO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot failed to maintain directional control during the landing, causing the aircraft to exit the runway and collide with objects. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 15 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An Air Tractor AT 402B veered off the runway and struck several vehicles during the landing roll.
What happened
On July 22, 2015, an Air Tractor AT 402B, registration N402KN, was performing a landing in Monte Vista, Colorado. During the landing roll, the aircraft encountered a wind gust that caused it to become airborne. As the plane settled back onto the runway, it bounced and subsequently veered to the right, leading to a runway excursion. During this excursion, the aircraft impacted several vehicles. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings. There were no injuries resulting from the accident.
The investigation
The pilot reported that no mechanical failures or malfunctions occurred prior to the impact that would have prevented normal operation.
Probable cause
The pilot failed to maintain directional control during the landing, causing the aircraft to exit the runway and collide with objects.
Contributing factors
Causes
PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintained