Accident Description
The pilot of an airplane engaged in an aerial application flight reported that the flight controls felt "spongy" as the aircraft lifted off. According to the pilot's statement, the airplane did not obtain an altitude greater than 25 feet before settling to the ground in a rough, uneven field past the end of the runway. The pilot did not jettison the load during the event.
Environmental and Operational Conditions
The pilot reported that the temperature at the time of takeoff was 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The airport elevation is 2,528 feet mean sea level. In their account, the pilot cited several factors that contributed to the accident: reduced engine efficiency (apparently), high heat and humidity, little wind, gross weight at maximum, and pilot fatigue.
Sequence of Events
The airplane lifted off with the controls feeling spongy. It failed to climb above 25 feet and subsequently descended, impacting the ground in a rough, uneven field beyond the departure end of the runway. The pilot did not jettison the agricultural load at any point. No further details about the aircraft, pilot, or subsequent actions were provided in the source.
Reported Contributing Factors
The pilot specifically identified the following as contributing factors: reduced engine efficiency (apparently), high heat and humidity, little wind, gross weight at maximum, and pilot fatigue. No other factors were mentioned in the source.