Accident Overview
On June 24, 1985, at 0520 hours Pacific Daylight Time, a Cessna Ag Truck 188B, registration N9966J, collided with the brim of an irrigation canal during takeoff from the Thomas Ranch strip. The aircraft then impacted the ground in a field beyond the canal. The flight was intended to apply sulfur to a local vineyard.
Conditions and Operations
Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. No flight plan was filed. The pilot, who held an Airline Transport Pilot certificate, reported that all normal preflight operations were conducted prior to the incident takeoff with no abnormal indications.
Sequence of Events
During the takeoff roll, the pilot noted that the aircraft was slower than normal with sluggish acceleration. At lift-off, the aircraft was in a near-stall condition before striking the canal brim. The collision with the canal brim was followed by impact with the ground in a field beyond the canal.
Damage and Injuries
The aircraft was destroyed by crash impact forces and fire from the burning sulfur carried within the aircraft. The pilot suffered minor injury to his eyes from the burning sulfur.
Aircraft and Operator Information
The aircraft, a Cessna Ag Truck 188B, was registered to James L. Thomas and operated by Ag-Flight, Inc.