Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control after encountering a large boat wake.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was performing firefighting activity at the time of the accident. He reported that after scooping a load of water and applying takeoff power, the airplane encountered a large boat wake which caused it to become airborne. However, the pilot did not have sufficient flight control authority to counter act the engine torque. The left float contacted the water, and the airplane veered to the left. The left-wing spar was damaged during the impact sequence. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions before the accident that would have precluded normal airplane operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN24LA255 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 4, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Brad, Texas
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Air Tractor Inc AT-802
- N-number
- N983LA
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2022
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 137 (agricultural)
- Purpose of flight
- Firefighting
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.