Incident Overview
The accident occurred when an aircraft lost power during a takeoff from a pasture and subsequently crashed in an open pasture. This was the second power loss event within a short period; the aircraft had previously experienced a power loss that necessitated an emergency landing. After performing a ground check of the powerplant, the pilot elected to make another flight attempt. The second takeoff also resulted in a power loss, and the forced landing that followed ended in an accident.
Pilot Statements
The pilot reported that he intentionally steered the aircraft into a fence during the landing to avoid hitting people on an adjacent golf course. He also acknowledged that he should have discarded the agricultural load and paused to think before proceeding with the takeoff.
Investigation Details
According to the pilot, the aircraft had exhibited engine problems on other occasions prior to the malfunctions on the day of the accident. The engine was destroyed by fire following the crash, which precluded a complete examination to definitively establish the reason for the malfunctions. The engine had operated only 20 flight hours since its last inspection.