No fatalities

13 Jun 2019: Air Tractor AT502 B — Sun Valley Dusting Co — San Benito, TX

San Benito, TX, United States

On 13 Jun 2019, an Air Tractor AT502 B operated by Sun Valley Dusting Co was involved in an aviation accident near San Benito, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Aerodynamic stall due to a shifting wind and high density altitude. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff with a heavy load from a private runway, a tailwheel airplane stalled due to shifting wind and high density altitude, impacting a field and being consumed by postimpact fire.

Accident Sequence

The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during takeoff with a "heavy load" from a 2,600 ft private runway, the airplane lifted off normally. However, due to a shifting wind and high density altitude, the airplane aerodynamically stalled and impacted a field at the end of the runway. The airplane nosed over and was consumed by a postimpact fire.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported that the gross weight of the airplane at the time of the accident was 9,350 pounds, while the manufacturer's maximum gross takeoff weight was 9,400 pounds.

Weather Information

The automated weather observation station, located 6 miles north of the accident, reported that about 37 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 190° at 10 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, scattered clouds at 5,000 ft, temperature 90°F, dew point 70°F, and altimeter setting 30.04 inches of mercury. About 22 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 040° at 6 knots. The calculated density altitude was 2,189 ft. The airplane was departing on runway 12.

Aircraft Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The postimpact fire consumed the aircraft.

Probable cause

Aerodynamic stall due to a shifting wind and high density altitude.

Contributing factors

Capability exceededPilotMaximum weight