What happened
During a takeoff roll from a 3,000-foot dirt airstrip, the pilot observed that the airspeed was slower than normal. After dumping a small amount of wheat seed, the airspeed returned to normal levels, and the airplane climbed to approximately 75 feet AGL while in a shallow left turn.
Approximately one mile north of the airstrip, the aircraft flew over a heavily watered milo field and began to descend. The pilot attempted to maintain altitude by lowering the nose and dumping wheat seed for approximately 750 feet; however, the descent continued. The pilot reported that the airplane stalled approximately 15 feet above the ground and subsequently impacted the terrain.
Prior to the flight, the hopper had been loaded with seed for aerial spreading, and the aircraft was serviced with approximately 40 gallons of fuel.
The investigation
Investigators performed a weight and balance calculation using data provided by the operator. This calculation revealed that the airplane was 50 pounds over its maximum gross weight limit of 4,400 pounds. Additionally, the density altitude for the flight was calculated to be 5,700 feet.