NTSB Factual Report

On May 25, 2012, at 0645 central daylight time, a Thrush S2RHG-T65, N40475, sustained substantial damage when it collided with an Air Tractor AT-802A, N389LA, after it lost directional control during landing roll at a private airstrip near Alicia, Arkansas. The Thrush impacted the Air Tractor which was on the taxiway preparing to depart from the private airstrip. Neither pilot was injured. The Thrush and the Air Tractor were owned and operated by J and R Flying Service LLC under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 for agricultural operations. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and no flight plans were filed. The Thrush departed the airstrip at 0630 and was returning to land when it impacted the Air Tractor.

The pilot of the Thrush reported that the airplane was traveling too fast during touchdown so he attempted a go-around. He reported that the engine would not “spool back up in time” to make a successful go-around, so he decided to abort the go-around. He applied both brakes and put the propeller into reverse, however, the airplane started to veer off the left side of the runway. He applied right rudder and right brake to regain directional control but was unsuccessful. The Thrush hit the Air Tractor that was about 50 to 75 feet off the runway. The propeller of the Thrush hit the left wing of the Air Tractor, and the Air Tractor’s propeller hit the Thrush’s left wing. The pilot reported that there was no preimpact mechanical malfunction or system failure of the Thrush.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot of the Thrush did not execute a go-around prior to landing, which resulted in excessive ground speed after touchdown, and his subsequent loss of directional control, which resulted in a collision with the Air Tractor.