Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain lateral/bank control during the initial climb in turbulent conditions.
NTSB analysis
The agricultural application pilot reported that, during the initial climb and as soon as the airplane "broke ground," he turned left and subsequently encountered turbulence that caused the left wing to "dip." He added that he applied full right aileron and rudder but that the airplane continued to sink and turn left. Subsequently, the left wing impacted terrain, the airplane cartwheeled, and a postcrash fire ensued.
The fuselage, empennage, and both wings sustained substantial damage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
An automated weather observation station, 12 nautical miles south of the accident site, reported, about the time of the accident, calm wind, clear skies, temperature 84°F (29°C), and dew point 64°F (18°C).
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA342 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 15, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Pocahontas, Arkansas
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Air Tractor Inc AT 802
- N-number
- N915AJ
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2014
- 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.