Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the soft terrain.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that he had attempted and aborted a takeoff from another runway. On the second takeoff attempt on a soft runway surface, the pilot stated that he decided to abort due to insufficient airspeed when the left brake faded out and the airplane gradually turned to the right and the wheels sank into soft mud and into a ditch. Substantial damage was sustained to the left wing spar which was bent approximately 20 degrees up. The main landing gear was also damaged. The pilot reported his takeoff weight at just 55 pounds less than the maximum allowable gross weight of 6,000 pounds and said one of the reasons for the accident was that he should have loaded a lighter load.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for DFW08CA156 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 25, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Mcdonald, Kansas
- Nearest airport
- Bell Family Farm-Not Certified (N/A)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Ayres S-2R
- N-number
- N4002R
- 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.