What happened
On August 10, 2025, at approximately 13:21 CDT, an Air Tractor AT-502, registration N9193V, was involved in an accident near Lawrenceville, Illinois. The aircraft was being operated by Klein Flying Services under Part 137 agricultural flight regulations.
During the takeoff roll with a load of product, the pilot noted that the engine was not producing full power. The pilot observed the torque gauge reading 1,400 instead of the expected 1,700 and attempted to increase power by pushing the throttle forward. In an effort to lighten the aircraft, the pilot attempted to jettison the load; however, the rubber handgrip on the control handle had moved upward, obstructing access to the switch.
The pilot attempted to maintain enough altitude to clear a road and potential traffic at the end of the runway. The aircraft was unable to maintain altitude and impacted a moisture-laden bean field on the opposite side of the road, coming to rest in an inverted position. The accident resulted in 1 minor injury and substantial damage to the airplane's wings, empennage, and fuselage.
Weather
At the time of the accident, weather conditions were Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) with a visibility of 10 statute miles and winds from 210 degrees at 6 knots.