Agricultural Aircraft Collides with Vegetation During Takeoff in Mato Grosso

Casualties unknown • POCONÉ, MT, BR

An Air Tractor AT-502B struck vegetation and ground during a seed application takeoff after the pilot performed an early rotation to avoid birds.

What happened

On October 10, 2020, an Air Tractor AT-502B, registration PR-GMG, was performing an agricultural seed application flight from a dirt landing strip at Fazenda Rodeio Campina Grande, in Poconé, Mato Grosso. During the takeoff roll, the pilot encountered a flock of birds on the runway and initiated a rotation earlier than planned to avoid a collision with the animals.

Following the early rotation, the aircraft traveled approximately 100 meters before striking vegetation and subsequently impacting the ground. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, while the pilot sustained minor injuries.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by a combination of performing a takeoff with a tailwind, an early rotation to avoid birds, and the possible premature retraction of flaps, which collectively degraded the aircraft's takeoff performance.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2020-10-10 aircraft accident near POCONÉ, MT, BR?

An Air Tractor AT-502B struck vegetation and ground during a seed application takeoff after the pilot performed an early rotation to avoid birds.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2020-10-10 involved a aircraft, registration PRGMG, at POCONÉ, MT, BR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by a combination of performing a takeoff with a tailwind, an early rotation to avoid birds, and the possible premature retraction of flaps, which collectively degraded the aircraft's takeoff performance.

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