Air Tractor Inc AT-802A N389LA and Thrush Aircraft Inc S2RHG-T65 N40475 accident near Alicia, Arkansas

Probable cause

The pilot of the Thrush did not execute a go-around prior to landing, which resulted in excessive ground speed after touchdown, and his subsequent loss of directional control, which resulted in a collision with the Air Tractor.

NTSB analysis

Following a loss of control during the landing roll, a Thrush agricultural airplane collided with an Air Tractor agricultural airplane that was parked about 50 to 75 feet off the runway with its engine operating waiting to takeoff. The pilot of the Thrush reported that the airplane was traveling too fast during touchdown so he attempted a go-around then realized that the engine would not respond quickly enough, and he aborted the go-around. He applied both brakes and put the propeller into reverse; however, the airplane started to veer off the left side of the runway. He applied right rudder and right brake in an attempt to regain directional control but was unsuccessful and hit the Air Tractor. The Thrush pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or system failures of the Thrush.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12LA323 for the full record.