NTSB Factual Report

On August 15, 2003, at 1850 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-502, N9187Z, sustained substantial damage during takeoff from a private grass airstrip near Hudson, Illinois. The pilot was not injured. The 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight was departing on a local flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. No flight plan was filed.

The pilot reported the airplane was loaded with 405 gallons of chemical and both wings were 3/4 full of Jet A fuel. He reported that during takeoff roll the right wingtip and right spray boom "caught the soybeans at the end of the runway." The airplane veered to the right and skidded sideways. He reported extensive damage to the wings, engine, and propeller. He reported there was no mechanical malfunction of the airplane prior to the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot failed to abort the takeoff. A factor was the soybean crop.