On 5 Jun 2017, an AIR TRACTOR INC AT 802 A operated by AIR-TRAC INC was involved in an aviation accident near Prosser, WA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s abrupt maneuver to avoid hay bales during the takeoff roll, which resulted in a loss of directional control. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A tailwheel-equipped aerial application airplane veered right to avoid hay bales on a gravel airstrip, then the right wing spray boom struck tall wheat. The airplane exited the runway and came to rest nose down, sustaining substantial left wing damage.
Accident Details
According to the pilot, during an aerial application flight at about 800 feet into the takeoff roll on a gravel airstrip, he turned the airplane to the right to avoid hay bales stacked on the left side of the runway. As the airplane veered right, the right-wing spray boom encountered tall wheat growing adjacent to the runway, causing the airplane to exit the right side of the runway. The airplane subsequently came to rest in a nose-down attitude.
Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. No other damage was reported.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Contributing factors
Causes
Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilot