Air Tractor Inc. AT-502 N502MH accident near Shannon, Illinois

Probable cause

The pilot’s inability to maintain an adequate climb rate after encountering a sudden wind shift during takeoff.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that he had completed three uneventful aerial application flights on the day of the accident; however, shortly after lifting off for the fourth flight, the airplane encountered a sudden wind shear and was unable to climb out of ground effect. The airplane descended from an altitude of 10-12 feet above the ground into the corn crop located off the end of runway. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. A review of available wind data indicated that calm wind conditions prevailed throughout the morning; however, a shift to a northwest wind occurred about the time of the accident, which would have resulted in a tailwind and a reduced climb gradient.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN13LA426 for the full record.