Accident Details
On August 10, 2025, at approximately 1321 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-502 sustained substantial damage during an accident near Lawrenceville, Illinois. The aircraft was operating as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 agricultural flight. The pilot reported minor injuries.
Pilot's Account
According to the pilot, the takeoff proceeded normally until the rotation point, at which time the airplane did not appear to be generating full power. The pilot observed the torque gauge reading 1,400, lower than the usual 1,700, and immediately pushed the throttle forward. He attempted to jettison the load of product, but the rubber handgrip on the control handle had migrated upward, obstructing access to the jettison switch. The pilot described forcing the airplane into the air out of ground effect to gain sufficient altitude to clear a road and any traffic beyond the runway. Unable to maintain altitude, the aircraft impacted a moisture-laden bean field on the opposite side of the road and came to rest inverted.
Damage and Recovery
The impact resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage, empennage, and wings. The airplane was recovered to the airport for further examination at a later date.