Accident Summary
An aerial application aircraft was involved in an accident during its third flight of the day. The pilot reported that the wind was from the northwest and very light. The departure direction was to the north. The density altitude was calculated at 5,200 feet. The takeoff was from a 2,400-foot-long dirt strip.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that acceleration appeared normal until approximately two-thirds of the way down the runway. At that point, the plane seemed to suddenly pick up a tailwind. In an attempt to become airborne, the pilot dumped the load of chemicals, but the aircraft did not fly. A two-foot-high levee was located at the end of the strip. When the main landing gear struck the levee, the aircraft bounced into the air and subsequently crashed.
Engine Examination
The engine was examined after the accident. No evidence was found to explain the reported power loss.