Loss of control Accident Air Tractor AT-502B N60023, Friday 10 July 2009

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Date:	Friday 10 July 2009
Time:	11:30 LT
Type:	Air Tractor AT-502B
Owner/operator:	Bear Bayou Ag Service
Registration:	N60023
MSN:	502B-0315
Year of manufacture:	1995
Total airframe hrs:	5925 hours
Engine model:	P&W PT6A SERIES
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 1
Other fatalities:	0
Aircraft damage:	Substantial
Category:	Accident
Location:	Reydell, Arkansas - United States of America
Phase:	Take off
Nature:	Agricultural
Departure airport:	Reydell, AR
Destination airport:	Reydell, AR
Investigating agency:	NTSB
Confidence Rating:	Accident investigation report completed and information captured

Narrative:
The pilot took off from a private strip on an aerial application flight. While climbing away from the runway the airplane began a left turning tendency. The pilot suspected the airplane encountered a whirlwind and attempted to maintain control of the airplane. When the airplane entered a "dead air space" the airplane was approximately 5 to 10 feet above the ground. The airplane subsequently collided with terrain and came to a stop in the upright position. Substantial damage was sustained to both wings. An inspection of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector did not reveal any pre-impact anomalies.

Probable Cause: The pilot's inability to maintain control of the airplane when it unexpectedly encountered a whirlwind shortly after takeoff.

Accident investigation: