Accident Details
A pilot reported that before takeoff, the Cessna A188B was loaded with 130 gallons of water and chemical, bringing the airplane near its maximum restricted operating gross weight of 4,200 pounds. The pilot stated that the temperature was about 80 degrees Fahrenheit with high humidity from rain the previous night, and the wind was light out of the west.
The takeoff roll began to the north on a grass runway. After rolling 1,000 feet, the pilot brought the tail up. Continuing for another 500 feet, the pilot lowered five degrees of flaps and started to lift off, but the airplane settled back down. The pilot then lowered the flaps to 10 degrees and attempted to lift off again, but the airplane would not become airborne. It impacted a bank with brush at the end of the runway.
Examination and Manual References
Post-accident examination of the wreckage revealed no anomalies with the aircraft. The Cessna A188B Owner's Manual, in its restricted category operations section, states: 'Take-off performance at these gross weights is limited, and ideal field elevation, runway, and weather conditions are expected to exist in obtaining satisfactory take-off performance. Operation from fields in excess of 1,000 above sea level, rough or soft runways, adverse runway gradients, high outside air temperature, turbulence, etc., may prevent a safe take-off at these gross weights. All of these things must be considered by the operator.' The manual also specifies that 'the optimum flap setting for take-off at the maximum restricted category gross weight with dispersal equipment installed is 10-degrees.'