On May 27, 1991, a Piper PA-25-235 (registration N855SD) operated by Ag-air Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Neenah, WI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S FAILURE TO ATTAIN SUFFICIENT AIRSPEED TO ACHIEVE FLIGHT, AND HIS FAILURE TO ABORT THE TAKEOFF. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft loaded with liquid pesticide for an aerial application flight failed to clear a dirt embankment 200 feet beyond the departure end of a 2,090-foot runway. The load leaked out after impact. No mechanical defects were found.
Accident Description
The aircraft was prepared for an aerial application flight and loaded with a liquid pesticide. During takeoff, the aircraft did not gain sufficient altitude to clear a dirt embankment located 200 feet beyond the departure end of the 2,090-foot runway. The aircraft subsequently impacted the embankment.
Load Loss
As a result of the impact, the liquid pesticide load was lost when it leaked out of the hopper.
Weight and Balance
Following the accident, the exact loading weight and balance of the aircraft could not be determined.
Post-accident Examination
A post-accident examination of the aircraft and engine revealed no mechanical defects or malfunctions.