Air Tractor Inc AT-602 N422TW accident near El Campo, Texas

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control during takeoff resulting in a collision with a building during takeoff.

NTSB analysis

According to the pilot, during the takeoff and initial climb to the south, the airplane encountered a “wind disturbance” which resulted in an uncommanded roll to the left. The left wing subsequently dropped and contacted a small wooden shed. The airplane yawed to the left, crossed a road, and impacted in an adjacent cornfield where it came to rest inverted. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation, and he should have climbed higher to avoid downdrafts from structures located near the runway. The pilot reported the winds were 15 to 20 knots from an unknown direction.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN26LA177 for the full record.