Accident Sequence
During an aerial application operation, the pilot reported that as he initiated liftoff, the aircraft turned to the left and he felt a loss of rudder control. The aircraft subsequently struck a fence on the airport boundary, continued, and the pilot dumped the chemical load. The aircraft then struck a tree and landed in a field adjacent to a highway.
Post-Accident Events
A Kansas State Highway Patrolman stated that he detected a strong odor of alcohol on the pilot. The pilot went to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries but left prior to receiving treatment. Hospital employees also mentioned the odor of alcohol on the pilot. After departing the hospital, the pilot left the area immediately and could not be reached for toxicology tests.