On September 14, 1990, a Grumman G-164A (registration N6566) operated by Aero-ag Service, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Altair, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S USE OF IMPROPER TERRAIN FOR TAKEOFF. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane failed to accelerate sufficiently during its first departure of the day, hitting tall weeds at the end of a private airstrip. The chemical spreader contacted the weeds, causing loss of airspeed and collision with an irrigation dike. Post-impact fire consumed the wreckage.
Departure and Initial Climb
During the first departure of the day, the airplane did not accelerate sufficiently to become airborne and clear eight-foot-tall weeds at the south end of the private strip. The airplane managed to get airborne at the end of the strip, but the chemical spreader mounted on its bottom contacted the tall weeds.
Loss of Control and Collision
The contact with the weeds resulted in a loss of airspeed, leading to a subsequent collision with an earthen irrigation dike. The airplane came to rest approximately 200 feet from the initial point of impact. A post-impact fire consumed the wreckage.
Investigation Findings
Investigation revealed that about 50 feet of the strip was covered by two-foot-tall weeds, and the rest of the takeoff surface consisted of a hard surface dirt crust with a spongy underlayer.