Incident Overview
Shortly after takeoff, while the aircraft was at an altitude of 25 feet, it encountered a downdraft near a small hill at the end of the runway. The descent caused by the downdraft could not be arrested, and the aircraft subsequently collided with the ground.
Pilot Account
According to the pilot, the wind was reported from the west at 5 to 7 knots, which constituted a headwind. The pilot also stated that the aircraft was being operated 400 pounds below its maximum takeoff weight. The density altitude at the time was approximately 3,800 feet.
Aircraft and Operational Details
The pilot did not have knowledge of the accident aircraft's maximum gross weight, which was 3,900 pounds. Instead, the pilot believed the maximum gross weight to be 4,400 pounds, a figure correct for another agricultural aircraft that the pilot had occasionally used.