Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary GAA17CA342

Pocahontas, AR, USA

Aircraft #1

N915AJ

AIR TRACTOR INC AT 802

Analysis

The agricultural application pilot reported that, during the initial climb and as soon as the airplane "broke ground," he turned left and subsequently encountered turbulence that caused the left wing to "dip." He added that he applied full right aileron and rudder but that the airplane continued to sink and turn left. Subsequently, the left wing impacted terrain, the airplane cartwheeled, and a postcrash fire ensued. The fuselage, empennage, and both wings sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. An automated weather observation station, 12 nautical miles south of the accident site, reported, about the time of the accident, calm wind, clear skies, temperature 84°F (29°C), and dew point 64°F (18°C).

Factual Information

The aerial application pilot reported that, during the initial climb as soon as the airplane "broke ground," he turned left and subsequently encountered turbulence that caused the left wing to "dip." He added that, he applied full right aileron and rudder, but the airplane continued to sink and turn left. Subsequently, the left wing impacted terrain, the airplane cartwheeled, and a post-crash fire ensued. The fuselage, empennage, and both wings sustained substantial damage during the impact and post-crash fire. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. An automated weather observation station, 12 nautical miles south, about the time of the accident, reported the wind as calm, clear skies, temperature 84°F (29°C), and dewpoint 64°F (18°C).

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain lateral/bank control during the initial climb in turbulent conditions.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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