On 27 May 2019, an Air Tractor AT802 A operated by Whirlwind Aviation Inc was involved in an aviation accident near Fisher, AR. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with a ditch. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A tailwheel aircraft veered left during takeoff after encountering a wind gust, exited the airstrip, and struck a ditch, resulting in substantial damage to the right wing.
Accident Details
The pilot reported that after filling the hopper with fertilizer (urea), the takeoff roll was initiated toward the north. During the roll, a gust of wind from the southwest was encountered. The aircraft veered to the left, departed the left side of the airstrip, and impacted a ditch. The wind was recorded as 225 degrees at 20 knots, gusting to 25 knots.
Aircraft Damage
The right wing of the aircraft sustained substantial damage. The pilot noted that no other parts of the aircraft were reported damaged.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the aircraft that would have prevented normal operation. The aircraft was operating as expected until the wind gust was encountered.
Contributing factors
Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilotEffect on operation