Incident Overview
A certificated commercial pilot, who was the sole occupant of the airplane, was departing a dirt airstrip to begin an aerial application flight. The aircraft was loaded with chemicals at the time of the incident.
Sequence of Events
During the takeoff roll, the pilot lifted off prematurely. The airplane became airborne briefly, then settled back onto the soft surface of the airstrip. Subsequently, the airplane ran off the end of the airstrip and nosed over in a wheat field.
Aircraft Status
The airstrip had not been utilized since recent rains, which may have contributed to the soft surface condition. The airplane was determined to be within weight and balance limits at the time of the incident.