Probable cause
The pilot’s inadequate compensation for the wind and failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during landing he noticed the wind intensity was increasing at the private airstrip. He departed again for his fifth aerial application flight of the day. While on the takeoff, as the tail was lifting off the ground, a gust of wind struck the airplane and it veered towards the right. The airplane exited the runway surface and struck a power pole, substantially damaging the wings, fuselage and empennage. The nearest weather reporting station, located about 13 miles from the accident airstrip, reported wind at 13 knots gusting to 19 knots. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR10CA444 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 2, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Murtaugh, Idaho
- Nearest airport
- Murtaugh Strip (N/A)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Schweizer Aircraft Corp 164B
- N-number
- N7502Y
- 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.