What happened
During an aerial application operation, the pilot attempted to initiate liftoff, at which point the aircraft turned to the left. The pilot reported feeling that there was no rudder control available during the maneuver.
As a result of the uncontrolled turn, the aircraft struck a fence located on the airport boundary. The flight continued briefly, during which time the pilot dumped the chemical load. The aircraft then struck a tree before coming to rest in a field adjacent to a highway.
The pilot sustained minor injuries. Following the accident, a Kansas State Highway Patrolman noted a strong odor of alcohol on the pilot. The pilot traveled to a local hospital for medical treatment but departed the facility before receiving care. Hospital staff also reported detecting the odor of alcohol on the pilot. The pilot left the area immediately after leaving the hospital and could not be located for toxicology testing.