Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft. A contributing factor was the wet, grass runway.
NTSB analysis
The commercial pilot had completed an aerial application flight and was returning for the second load. During the landing on a private grass airstrip, the tailwheel-equipped airplane started to slide. The pilot stated that the grass was wet from the morning dew, and that he could not get the airplane to stop. The airplane subsequently slid into a small levy and culvert, resulting in separation of the left main landing gear. The airplane received substantial damage and came to rest in the inverted position.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for DFW08CA084 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 13, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Back Gate, Arkansas
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Air Tractor AT602
- N-number
- N602KP
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- 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.