Pocahontas, AR, USA
N915AJ
AIR TRACTOR INC AT 802
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).
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).
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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