Probable cause
The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was landing on a private grass strip that had not been used for several weeks during which time the grass had grown "considerably". Upon landing, the tall grass caught the left spray boom which resulted in the airplane traveling off the side of the runway into a wheat field. The pilot reported the airplane traveled 25 to 30 feet after contacting the tall grass, and it came to rest 90 degrees from the touchdown heading. The right wing and empennage were substantially damaged during the event.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN10CA412 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 17, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Edmore, North Dakota
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Air Tractor Inc AT-301
- N-number
- N8774S
- 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.