No fatalities
18 Jun 2023: AIR TRACTOR INC AT-502 A — ASCEND AG INC — Sturgis, SD
On 18 Jun 2023, an AIR TRACTOR INC AT-502 A operated by ASCEND AG INC was involved in an aviation accident near Sturgis, SD. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s improper timing to initiate beta mode with the propeller and his failure to maintain directional during the full load landing that resulted in a runway excursion. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Probable cause
The pilot’s improper timing to initiate beta mode with the propeller and his failure to maintain directional during the full load landing that resulted in a runway excursion. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of recent experience with performing a full load landing and the high-density altitude that likely affected aircraft performance during the landing.
— NTSB Determination
Contributing factors
PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintainedEffect on equipment