Pilot Account
According to the pilot, during the takeoff roll on a 3,000-foot dirt airstrip, the airspeed was noted to be slower than normal. The pilot dumped a small amount of wheat seed, after which the airspeed became normal. The aircraft climbed to approximately 75 feet above ground level (AGL) while executing a shallow left turn. About one mile north of the strip, the airplane overflew a heavily watered milo field and began to descend. The pilot lowered the nose and again dumped wheat seed for approximately 750 feet, but the descent continued. The pilot reported that the airplane stalled about 15 feet above the ground and subsequently impacted the ground.
Aircraft Loading
In preparation for the aerial spreading of wheat seed, the hopper was loaded with seed, and the airplane was serviced with about 40 gallons of fuel. A weight and balance calculation was performed using figures provided by the operator. The calculation showed that the airplane was 50 pounds over its maximum gross weight limit of 4,400 pounds.
Environmental Conditions
The density altitude was calculated to be 5,700 feet.