Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to obtain adequate airspeed during the takeoff roll, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
NTSB analysis
At the beginning of an aerial application run, the pilot rotated the airplane near the end of the runway; the airplane lifted up from the ground, yawed, and then shuddered. The airplane descended, the left wing contacted the ground, and the airplane slid to a stop. The circumstances of the accident are consistent with an aerodynamic stall during takeoff because the pilot failed to obtain adequate speed to climb the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN13LA391 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 2, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Ipswich, South Dakota
- Nearest airport
- Tc Field (2SD9)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Air Tractor AT-402B
- N-number
- N2072D
- 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.