Fisher, AR, USA
N802WW
Air Tractor AT802
The pilot reported that, after filling the hopper with fertilizer and during the takeoff roll to the north, the airplane "encountered a gust of wind from the southwest." The airplane veered left, exited the airstrip, and impacted a ditch. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that, after filling the hopper with fertilizer (urea), during the takeoff roll to the north, he "encountered a gust of wind from the southwest." The airplane veered left, exited the airstrip to the left, and impacted a ditch. The pilot reported that the wind was 225 º at 20 knots, gusting up to 25 knots. The airplane departed to the north. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with a ditch.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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