Accident Overview
An agricultural aircraft collided with a fence during a takeoff attempt while carrying a full load of chemical pesticide. The collision with the ground resulted in a fire. The pilot, who was seriously burned and later died, provided a statement en route to the hospital.
Pilot's Account
The pilot stated that he attempted to dump the aircraft's load but mistakenly grabbed the flap handle, which extended the flaps to the full position. This was the pilot's third agricultural operation accident; a previous accident involved an aborted takeoff and crash beyond the end of a runway.
Runway Conditions
The runway in use was grass, approximately one to two feet deep over all but a 300-foot section of mowed area in the midfield. That mowed section was used by local radio-controlled model aircraft enthusiasts.
Environmental Factors
The density altitude was computed to be 2,200 feet. Thunderstorm activity was present in the area, north of the airport and about two miles south of the runway.
Pilot Experience
The pilot's flight time was not reported, and his logbooks were not located.