Probable cause
The pilot's failure to properly set the airplane's flaps prior to takeoff.
NTSB analysis
While departing from his home field for an aerial application flight, the airplane was not able to get airborne and collided with several fences at the end of the runway. The pilot realized that he had left the flaps in the up position. Both wings sustained substantial rearward crushing. The pilot and operator reported no deficiencies with the airplane prior to the accident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN10CA262 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 20, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- D'Hanis, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Glasscock Field (4TS8)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Air Tractor Inc AT-301
- N-number
- N3159D
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 137 (agricultural)
- Purpose of flight
- Aerial application
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.