Probable cause
A total loss of engine power after takeoff for undetermined reasons.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was departing on an agricultural flight. As the airplane climbed to approximately 25 feet above the runway, it experienced a total loss of engine power, and the left wing dropped. The airplane subsequently impacted the ground, which caused the empennage and the main landing gear to separate. The pilot exited the airplane before a postcrash fire consumed the cockpit and a portion of the right wing. Postaccident disassembly and inspection of the engine assembly and testing of accessory components did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal engine operation. The airplane's most recent annual inspection was performed almost 1 year prior to the accident. The engine had accumulated about 7,000 hours since new, and 300 hours since the annual inspection.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA09LA346 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 14, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Magee, Mississippi
- Nearest airport
- Magee (17M)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Air Tractor AT-602
- N-number
- N5202U
- 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.