Air Tractor Inc AT-402 N9185K accident near Helm, Mississippi

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain control, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain.

NTSB analysis

The pilot stated that while on takeoff from a 2,200 ft partial concrete and grass private runway, the airplane failed to lift off due to density altitude. He initiated a controlled dump of the hopper load near the end of the runway to increase climb performance. The pilot stated that the airplane then stalled and impacted terrain off the departure end of the private strip, which resulted in substantial damage to both wings, fuselage, and empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operations.

The accident occurred after the pilot had conducted several agricultural spray applications with 350 gallon loads. He stated that temperature had reached 96°F and he should have carried a smaller load since conditions were not favorable. At the time of the accident density altitude had increased to about 2,530 ft.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN24LA246 for the full record.