Probable cause
The pilot's decision to take off from a wet grass runway at an airplane weight and density altitude that precluded a normal takeoff and climb.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the aerial application flight was attempting a takeoff when the airplane hit a bump 2/3 of the way down the runway, became airborne, and then descended into a corn field. The airplane impacted the cornfield upright and sideways, resulting in a deformed fuselage and substantial damage. The pilot stated that he could have prevented the accident by not taking off at a heavy weight on a wet runway. The density altitude at the time of the accident was approximately 2,854 feet mean sea level.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN10CA343 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 19, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Virden, Illinois
- Nearest airport
- Bob Davis Flying Service Airpo (25IL)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Air Tractor AT-402B
- N-number
- N5120E
- 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.