Accident Summary
An agricultural aircraft crashed during takeoff from a grass runway that had not been mowed for several weeks. The field elevation was 1070 ft, with calm wind and a temperature of 62°F and dew point of 50°F. The pilot reported that after lift-off the airplane began to settle. As he neared the end of the runway, he dumped the load, but the aircraft continued to settle and struck a ditch about 50 yards beyond the end of the runway.
Aircraft and Operational Details
The takeoff was conducted with a full flap configuration of 20 degrees. However, the checklist recommended 5 to 10 degrees of flaps for restricted category agricultural trucks with dispersal equipment installed. The gross weight of the aircraft was estimated to be 291 lbs over the maximum limit.
Sequence of Events
The pilot initiated takeoff from the unmowed grass runway. After becoming airborne, the aircraft began to settle. Approaching the end of the runway, the pilot jettisoned the load, but the aircraft could not arrest its descent and impacted a ditch beyond the runway end.