Matthews, MO, USA
N113AA
AIR TRACTOR AT-502B
The pilot of the aerial application flight reported that the airplane was loaded with 300 gallons of chemical and 100 gallons of fuel. He stated that he powered the airplane up for takeoff, all instrument readings were good, and the airplane took off. He stated that after liftoff, while in ground effect, a wind shear caused the right wing of the airplane to drop, causing the airplane to strike a ditch. The recorded wind speed at an airport located 27 miles from the accident site was 7 knots. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the fuselage was buckled and the right wing was bent aft. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot of the aerial application flight reported that the airplane was loaded with 300 gallons of chemical and 100 gallons of fuel. He stated that all of the instrument readings were good when he powered the airplane up for takeoff. He stated that after liftoff, while in ground effect, a wind shear caused the right wing of the airplane to drop, and the airplane struck a ditch. The recorded wind speed at an airport located 27 miles from the accident site was 7 knots. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed the fuselage was buckled, and the right wing was bent aft. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during takeoff.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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