Air Tractor AT502 N254LA accident near Iowa, Louisiana

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.

NTSB analysis

According to the pilot in the tailwheel-equipped, restricted-category airplane, he had performed an agricultural flight and was landing to take on another load. He made a three-point landing with full flaps and closed the throttle. He stated that, during the landing roll, the airplane "turned violently to the right and got very light on the gear." The airplane’s nose had turned 45° right of the runway centerline, so he applied left brake and left rudder and then he added power. As the power increased, the airplane rolled left. The left wing struck the ground, and the pilot pulled the throttle to idle and then he applied reverse thrust and full brakes. However, the airplane exited the runway and collided with a drainage culvert.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing spar and aileron.

The pilot reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was light and variable, but dust devils were present. Additionally, he reported that the accident could have been prevented by landing at a higher airspeed to keep airflow over the rudder and by minimizing the engine thrust.

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA447 for the full record.