No fatalities

AIR TRACTOR INC AT-502B accident at Bakersfield, CA, 5 Jun 2023

Bakersfield, CA, United States

On June 5, 2023, an AIR TRACTOR INC AT-502B operated by WHEELER RIDGE AVIATION INC was involved in an aviation accident near Bakersfield, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s improper use of flaps during the takeoff sequence which resulted in a runway overrun and collision with trees. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper use of flaps during the takeoff sequence which resulted in a runway overrun and collision with trees.

— NTSB Determination

Contributing factors

PilotCapability exceededIncorrect use/operationEffect on equipment