Accident Overview
On May 27, 2018, at approximately 1200 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT502B, registration N6180J, impacted terrain during takeoff from a private airstrip near Qulin, Missouri. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. The aircraft, registered to and operated by Danny's Air Agri Service, Inc., was conducting an aerial application flight under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and the flight operated without a flight plan. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that the airplane was loaded with 2,700 pounds of chemical and was using an airstrip owned by a customer. He had been using the airstrip for the past 14 years and was familiar with the aircraft's performance during takeoff from that strip. During the takeoff, the engine gauges indicated normal parameters. However, after using approximately three-quarters of the runway length, the tailwheel remained on the ground. The pilot checked the engine instruments, which continued to show normal indications. When the airplane reached the end of the runway, it was not airborne. The pilot applied full flaps in an attempt to "jump" a ditch at the runway's end. The aircraft crossed the ditch and impacted the ground on the far side.
Aircraft Examination
Post-accident examination of the airplane confirmed substantial damage to both wings, the landing gear, the aft fuselage, and tail surfaces. No preimpact anomalies were found that would have prevented normal operation. The pilot reported no mechanical issues during the flight.
Runway and Environmental Conditions
The turf runway had a north-south orientation and was approximately 2,500 feet long. The takeoff was performed to the south. At the south end of the runway, a drainage ditch separated two farm fields.
Nearby weather conditions, recorded at 1153 at the Poplar Bluff Municipal Airport, approximately 12 nautical miles north of the accident site, included wind from 210 degrees at 5 knots, 10 statute miles visibility, clear skies, temperature 30°C, dewpoint 22°C, and an altimeter setting of 29.92 inches of mercury. Based on these conditions, the calculated density altitude was about 2,200 feet.
Weight and Balance
The pilot reported to Federal Aviation Administration inspectors that the airplane had between 130 and 140 gallons of fuel and 2,700 pounds of chemical on board. Using a fuel density of 6.7 pounds per gallon and the airplane's empty weight of 4,778 pounds, the calculated takeoff weight ranged from 8,523 to 8,574 pounds. The maximum gross weight of the airplane was listed as 8,000 pounds.