On August 22, 1994, an Air Tractor AT-301 (registration N4360S) was involved in an aviation accident near Lazbuddie, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S PREMATURE LIFTOFF AND THE RESULTANT STALL DURING TAKEOFF. A FACTOR WAS THE DENSITY ALTITUDE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane taking off from an airstrip climbed only about 6 feet before settling back onto the runway. The pilot aborted the takeoff by shutting down the engine, but the airplane struck a fence and came to rest inverted in an adjacent field.
Flight Details
The flight was the second of the day for the same airplane and payload. Conditions at the time of the attempted departure included a temperature of 93 degrees Fahrenheit, yielding a calculated density altitude of 6,500 feet. The pilot reported the wind as gusty and nearly a direct crosswind.
Events During Takeoff
As the airplane began its takeoff roll, it climbed to approximately 6 feet above the ground. Shortly thereafter, it settled back down onto the runway surface. In response, the pilot aborted the takeoff by shutting down the engine.
Outcome
The airplane subsequently struck a fence and came to rest inverted in a field adjacent to the runway.