Probable cause
The pilot’s inadequate compensation for the wind conditions during takeoff.
NTSB analysis
During the departure roll from a dirt airstrip, the airplane encountered wind shear. The pilot was unable to get the airplane off the ground, and the airplane hit a fence post when it overran the end of the airstrip. The right wing was substantially damaged during the impact.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12CA264 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 15, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Cheyenne Wells, Colorado
- Nearest airport
- Private Field (PVT)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Air Tractor Inc AT-301A
- N-number
- N7306C
- 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.