What happened
On July 19, 2020, at approximately 20:42 local time, an Air Tractor AT-802, registration EC-HMD, was involved in a runway excursion during a takeoff roll at the Quinto de Don Pedro fire suppression base in Toledo, Spain. The aircraft, operated by Martínez Ridao Aviación, S.L., was engaged in aerial firefighting operations.
Prior to the accident, the pilot had completed a previous mission and returned to the base. While the engine was running and the aircraft was awaiting instructions, the pilot received conflicting radio communications regarding whether a second mission was required. After an initial cancellation followed by a subsequent order to proceed with a water drop, the pilot began the takeoff roll on runway 25. During the takeoff run, the pilot lost directional control, causing the aircraft to veer to the right and exit the runway. The aircraft eventually came to a stop on the parking apron, approximately 18 meters from the runway centerline.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the loss of control and the impact of radio communications on the pilot's performance. The investigation established that the pilot was monitoring ground-based radio frequencies during the pre-takeoff phase, listening to the ongoing indecision of mission coordinators regarding the necessity of the flight. This distraction likely led to the pilot failing to complete the full pre-takeoff checklist, specifically omitting the locking of the tailwheel.
Physical examination of the Air Tractor AT-802 revealed significant damage to the wings, the propeller, and the landing gear, including the breakage of the left main gear strut. The investigation determined that the uneven terrain adjacent to the runway caused the landing gear to fail and the propeller to strike the ground as the aircraft veered off the paved surface.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the loss of control of the aircraft during the takeoff roll.
- The pilot was distracted by continuous radio communications regarding mission changes, which likely resulted in the omission of the tailwheel lock during the takeoff checklist.
- The aircraft sustained significant damage to the propeller, wings, and landing gear.
- The pilot, who was the sole occupant, remained uninjured.