Loss of Control on Ground During Takeoff of Air Tractor AT-402A

Casualties unknown • TANGARÁ DA SERRA, MT, BR

An agricultural aircraft experienced a loss of control during takeoff at Tangará da Serra, resulting in substantial damage after the pilot applied differential braking to correct a wind-induced veer.

What happened

On July 19, 2013, an AT-402A agricultural aircraft, registration PT-WQV, was performing a ferry flight from Tangará da Serra to Comandante Gastão, Mato Grosso. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft experienced a significant rightward veer, likely caused by a wind gust from the right side.

In an attempt to correct the trajectory while the aircraft was traveling at speeds exceeding 40 knots, the pilot applied directional rudder and differential braking. This action induced a rapid yaw to the left, causing the aircraft to veer off the left side of the runway. After exiting the paved surface, the aircraft traveled approximately 12 and 0 meters, striking fences and crossing an unpaved road and an embankment before coming to a final stop. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the engine, propeller, landing gear, fuselage, and wings. The pilot was uninjured.

The investigation

CENIPA investigators examined the aircraft's weight and balance, the pilot's experience, and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. The investigation noted that the aircraft was operating significantly above its maximum takeoff weight (MTOW). The pilot was highly experienced, with 450 hours in the AT-402A model. Meteorological data indicated the presence of cumulonimbus clouds in the vicinity, which may have contributed to the wind gusts experienced during the takeoff roll. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's decision to maintain takeoff power and jettison the hopper load after leaving the runway.

Findings

  • The pilot's use of differential braking at speeds above 40 knots to correct the directional deviation was the primary cause of the loss of control.
  • The aircraft was operating at a total weight of 3,684.5 kg, which was 509.5 kg above the maximum takeoff weight of 3,175 kg.
  • A wind gust, potentially caused by nearby convective activity, initially caused the aircraft to veer to the right.
  • The aircraft's left main tire entered uncompacted soil upon exiting the runway, which increased the yaw angle and made recovery difficult.
  • The pilot's decision to maintain power and jettison the load after exiting the runway may have contributed to the extent of the damage.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the pilot's improper use of differential braking at high speed to correct a directional deviation, combined with the aircraft operating significantly above its maximum takeoff weight.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2013-07-19 aircraft accident near TANGARÁ DA SERRA, MT, BR?

An agricultural aircraft experienced a loss of control during takeoff at Tangará da Serra, resulting in substantial damage after the pilot applied differential braking to correct a wind-induced veer.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2013-07-19 involved a aircraft, registration PTWQV, at TANGARÁ DA SERRA, MT, BR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the pilot's improper use of differential braking at high speed to correct a directional deviation, combined with the aircraft operating significantly above its maximum takeoff weight.

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