The pilot told investigators that, prior to the accident flight, water and a neutralizing agent were added to the Air Tractor AT-402’s hopper tank to clean it.
Several hours later, he conducted a preflight inspection for a night flight. After fueling the airplane, he taxied onto the 2,500-foot dirt runway in Somerton, Arizona.
He did not using the entire length of the runway as he was under the assumption that the hopper was empty.
He slowly advanced the power lever to a partial power setting for takeoff.
Around the half-way point on the runway, he noticed the airplane was not obtaining the speed needed for takeoff and applied full power. As the airplane was close to the departure end of the runway, he aborted the takeoff and attempted to stop the airplane using the brakes.
The airplane overran the departure end of the runway and hit vegetation. A post-crash fire ensued, which destroyed the airplane.
After the accident, the pilot discovered that the water had not been drained from the hopper before his flight.
The pilot said that he believed the hopper to be empty and did not apply full power for takeoff.
The pilot reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to use full power during takeoff and his delayed decision to abort the takeoff, which resulted in a runway overrun and subsequent impact with terrain.
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This September 2020 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Stupid pilot trick. Ranks right up with ” I didn’t known the gun was loaded” or sleep later.
Were weight and balance done? Soft field short field take off why not start with full power?
He assumed it was empty. So even if he had done a W & B he would have done it with zero weight in the hopper.
Lesson learned: Spelling of ‘assume:’ Makes an axx out of you and me. Always check everything. Trust nobody with your life and/or airplane.