Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in runway excursion, and a ground loop.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that during the landing roll, as the airplane slowed down, the tailwheel lifted off the ground. He further reported that the airplane veered to the right despite left rudder and brake application, exited the runway, and ground looped.
According to the pilot there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and empennage.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA16CA224 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 8, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Oberlin, Kansas
- Nearest airport
- Oberlin Muni (OIN)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Air Tractor Inc AT 502
- N-number
- N6181Q
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1996
- 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.