Flight Narrative
On 30 April 2018 at 11:30 UTC, an Air Tractor AT-502 B with registration LV-CUH, owned by a private operator, initiated its takeoff run at Piquete Cavado, Salta. The aircraft deviated to the left and struck a corn plantation. It continued its trajectory and impacted a line of trees approximately 10 meters high. The pilot exited the aircraft unaided and was uninjured. The accident occurred during daylight with good meteorological conditions.
Investigation
Inspection of the flight controls revealed no failures. According to an interview with the pilot, the aircraft had been loaded with 1000 kg of wheat seeds in the hopper and 300 liters of fuel. This could not be verified, as the operator did not maintain records of product quantity or fuel loading. Fuel quantity could not be confirmed due to loss on impact. A weight and balance calculation under the most restrictive scenario showed that even with maximum fuel capacity, the maximum takeoff weight would not be exceeded. The aircraft was configured with 10° flaps per the flight manual. While the official weather report indicated calm wind, interview information suggested the aircraft took off with a tailwind component from the north, which did not exceed takeoff limitations. The use of the takeoff direction was influenced by the location of ground support services for aircraft preparation.
Analysis
For this type of aircraft, automatic data capture is not mandatory, thus trajectory or management data were unavailable. Inspections of the engine, propeller, and flight controls showed no technical failure that contributed to the event. Based on field investigation findings, the area was likely affected by wind from the north, meaning the aircraft probably operated with a tailwind and a right crosswind component given the wind direction and takeoff heading.
Conclusions
The investigation concluded that the tailwind likely affected the aircraft's performance during takeoff and caused the runway excursion. The deviation from the takeoff path caused the aircraft to first hit the corn plantation, which likely affected the initial climb trajectory, preventing it from clearing the tree line ahead.