What happened
On June 6, 2025, at approximately 18:30 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-502, registration N9185F, was involved in an accident near Grady, Arkansas. The aircraft was being operated by FARM BROTHERS FLYERS A LLC as part of a Part 137 agricultural application flight.
The aircraft was in the process of departing from a 2,300-foot paved airstrip oriented at approximately 015°. During the takeoff roll, a track was created in the grass on the right side of the runway, beginning roughly 300 feet from the end of the pavement. This track, consistent with the airplane's tailwheel, was oriented at about 025°.
After approximately 200 feet, the single track transitioned into three separate tracks, indicating all landing gear wheels were on the ground. These tracks continued for about 200 feet, ending roughly 100 feet beyond the runway pavement and heading into an adjacent soybean field. The center track was offset to the right, suggesting the tail of the aircraft was offset during travel. A new set of tracks began approximately 50 feet from an irrigation ditch located 450 feet from the end of the runway.
The aircraft came to rest inverted on the north side of the irrigation ditch. The impact resulted in 1 fatality. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, including a fragmented outboard left wing and a partially separated aft fuselage. While the engine mount was deformed, the engine remained attached and appeared undamaged, with engine control continuity confirmed.
The investigation
Investigators examined the flight controls and found that aileron control was continuous from the cockpit to both wings, though the left aileron was fragmented. Elevator control was continuous, but the aft elevator pushrod was bent due to fuselage damage. The left rudder cable had separated from the rudder control horn due to an overstress failure.
Plans were made to examine the engine and airframe fuel systems, and a Satloc GPS position tracking unit was retained for data download.