Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during takeoff.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that he lost control of the tailwheel-equipped airplane during the takeoff roll, and the right wing struck a railroad berm. The airplane spun around and came to rest on the railroad tracks adjacent to the runway. The pilot reported there were no preaccident mechanical problems that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN13LA451 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 29, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Lombardville, Illinois
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Air Tractor Inc AT-400A
- N-number
- N36612
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1981
- 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.