Accident Details
According to witnesses, the pilot had landed the aircraft on a dirt road near a farm machinery concern. After conducting business, the pilot initiated a takeoff eastbound on the dirt road, which had about 2,000 feet of usable distance. Once airborne, the aircraft was too low to clear power lines at the end of the road. The witnesses saw the aircraft begin a left turn to avoid the power lines, and the left wing tip contacted the ground. The aircraft then cartwheeled to a stop in an adjacent cotton field.
Witness Reports
Witnesses reported that 'heavy' and 'gusting' winds from variable directions were present during the attempted takeoff.
Investigation
An FAA inspector examined the aircraft and found no evidence of a pre-impact mechanical malfunction or failure. The last medical certificate of record for the pilot was a second class medical issued April 23, 1979.