NTSB Factual Report

On June 12, 2001, at 1330 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-502B single-engine airplane, N6181Q, was substantially damaged following an on-ground collision with an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) during takeoff roll from a private dirt airstrip near Marvell, Arkansas. The commercial pilot, who was the sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured, and the two occupants on the ATV received minor injuries. The airplane was registered to and operated by Phillips County Flying Service Inc., of Marvell, Arkansas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 aerial application flight. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident.

The pilot reported that during takeoff roll, an ATV rolled out onto the runway directly in front of him, about midway down the 1/2-mile airstrip. The pilot then "swerved" the airplane to the left, and the right wing impacted the roll cage on the ATV. The ATV rolled over under the airplane's right wing, and the airplane continued to the left, through a ditch, and came to rest upright in a field.

The driver of the ATV stated he thought the dirt airstrip was a "turnabout," and realized a "yellow airplane" was approaching them from behind.

According to the FAA inspector, who responded to the accident site, the airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage.

NTSB Probable Cause

the improper decision of the driver of the vehicle(ATV) to enter an active airstrip.