Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary CEN10CA343

Virden, IL, USA

Aircraft #1

N5120E

AIR TRACTOR AT-402B

Analysis

The pilot of the aerial application flight was attempting a takeoff when the airplane hit a bump 2/3 of the way down the runway, became airborne, and then descended into a corn field. The airplane impacted the cornfield upright and sideways, resulting in a deformed fuselage and substantial damage. The pilot stated that he could have prevented the accident by not taking off at a heavy weight on a wet runway. The density altitude at the time of the accident was approximately 2,854 feet mean sea level.

Factual Information

The pilot of the aerial application flight attempted a takeoff on runway 27 (2640 feet by 100 feet, turf) during which the airplane hit a bump 2/3 down the runway, became airborne, and then descended into a corn field. The airplane impacted the cornfield upright and sideways resulting in a deformed fuselage and substantial damage. The pilot stated in his recommendation not to takeoff at a heavy weight on a wet runway. The density altitude at the time of the accdient was approximately 2,854 feet mean sea level.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's decision to take off from a wet grass runway at an airplane weight and density altitude that precluded a normal takeoff and climb.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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