On October 25, 1985, a Piper PA-36-300 (registration N3671E) operated by Don Chiles was involved in an aviation accident near Fluvanna, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to attempt takeoff with an overloaded aircraft on a runway that was too short, compounded by delayed weight reduction efforts and contact with a ground obstacle. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft overloaded for the runway length struck a cattle guard during takeoff while conducting aerial application. The pilot cited stress from earlier problems as a contributing factor.
What happened
The aircraft was engaged in an aerial application flight when it attempted to take off. During the initial phase of the takeoff roll, the airframe made contact with a cattle guard situated on or near the runway surface.
The pilot reported that the aircraft was overloaded for the specific length of the runway being utilized for the departure. Attempts were made to reduce weight by dumping the chemical load; however, the pilot indicated that this action was initiated too late to prevent the collision. The pilot further noted that stress resulting from several mechanical or operational problems encountered earlier in the day was a major factor in the accident.
The investigation
No specific mechanical examination details were provided in the source material regarding the aircraft's condition beyond the reported overload.
Findings
Contributing factors included:
The aircraft being overloaded for the available runway length.
Delayed initiation of chemical load dumping.
Contact with a cattle guard during takeoff.
Pilot stress due to earlier operational problems.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to attempt takeoff with an overloaded aircraft on a runway that was too short, compounded by delayed weight reduction efforts and contact with a ground obstacle.
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