Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during takeoff roll in variable wind conditions.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during takeoff roll in a tail wheeled airplane for the aerial application flight, as he rotated the airplane, it would not lift off and he applied full flaps. The airplane would still not lift off the runway, so he jettisoned the entire load from the hopper. Subsequently, the airplane pitched up and despite his control inputs, stalled, and impacted the ground. Substantial damage was sustained to the wings and fuselage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot added that he felt that either a downdraft or change in wind direction occurred at the time of the accident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR14CA317 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 28, 2014
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Hazelton, Idaho
- Nearest airport
- Hazelton Muni (U94)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Air Tractor Inc AT 802A
- N-number
- N802TY
- 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.