Air Tractor Inc AT-400A N3157B accident near Lamoni, Iowa

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during an aborted takeoff.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that after loading the airplane with fuel and product, he taxied the full length of the runway and began the takeoff roll. After takeoff, he flew the airplane above the runway in ground effect; however, the airplane settled back to the runway. The pilot stated that he was uncomfortable continuing the takeoff, so he aborted the takeoff by applying brakes and reducing engine power. To avoid nosing the airplane over and locking the tailwheel, he abruptly pulled back on the control stick. The airplane ballooned and came back down hard on the runway. The pilot did not want to impact houses and buildings on the side of the runway, so he kept the airplane aligned with the remaining runway. The airplane impacted shrubs and trees and came to rest in a ditch at the end of the runway. The wings and fuselage sustained substantial damaged. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN25LA303 for the full record.