Probable cause
The partial loss of engine power during takeoff for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.
NTSB analysis
The commercial pilot of the aerial application flight reported that he had flown several flights in the morning and the airplane was operating normally. Before the final flight of the day, while the airplane was being loaded with product, he heard a noise, but all engine gauges appeared normal. He taxied down the runway and took off. About 30 ft above the ground, the airplane started making more noise and the engine was surging. The pilot attempted to add more power, but the engine did not respond. As the pilot was about to dump the chemical load, the airplane veered to the left and impacted the ground. After the pilot exited the airplane, a postcrash fire ensued. Detailed examination of the engine was not possible due to the severe fire damage.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN17LA190 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 4, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Tahoka, Texas
- Nearest airport
- T-Bar Airport (2F4)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Air Tractor Inc AT 502
- N-number
- N144HF
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1989
- Damage
- Destroyed
- 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.