Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during takeoff.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that he lost control of the tailwheel-equipped airplane during the takeoff roll, and the right wing struck a railroad berm. The airplane spun around and came to rest on the railroad tracks adjacent to the runway. The pilot reported there were no preaccident mechanical problems that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.
Source record
Factual narrative
On July 29, 2013, about 0530 central daylight time, N36612, an Air Tractor Incorporated AT-400A, sustained substantial damage on takeoff from a private grass runway near Lombardville, Illinois. The commercial pilot was not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by Woodley Aerial Leasing Incorporated, Walnut, Illinois. No flight plan was filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local aerial application flight conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137.The pilot stated that during the takeoff roll he lost control of the airplane and the right wing struck a railroad berm. The airplane spun around and came to rest on a set of railroad tracks adjacent to the runway. The left wing was substantially damaged. The main landing gear and propeller were also damaged. The pilot reported there were no pre-mishap mechanical problems with the airplane