Incident Overview
A pilot was conducting a takeoff from a private, 2,300-foot-long dirt agricultural airstrip, carrying a load of chemicals. The airport elevation was 4,185 feet, and the reported temperature was 74 degrees Fahrenheit. According to the pilot, the wind was calm at the start of the takeoff roll. However, approximately three-quarters of the way down the runway, the aircraft encountered a sudden gust of wind. The pilot noted that cumulus clouds were present in the vicinity and that the gust came from the tail of the aircraft.
Takeoff and Stall
At that point, the pilot stated that he was committed either to continuing the takeoff or to hitting a ditch at the end of the runway. He elected to continue the takeoff. The aircraft became airborne but subsequently stalled and crashed about half a mile from the strip.