Incident Overview
On the pilot's third takeoff of the day, the airplane departed similarly to the two previous flights. While downwind of some grain elevators, the airplane began to lose lift and altitude. The pilot dumped the airplane's chemical load, but he determined there would not be enough time to recover due to obstructions. Noticing a ditch in his flight path, the pilot decided to put the airplane down there without hurting anyone on the ground.
Damage and Inspection
The pilot stated that the wings, landing gear, engine, hopper, and fuel tank were damaged in the crash. Post-accident inspection of the wreckage revealed no preimpact anomalies.
Weather Conditions
At the time of the incident, weather at Devils Lake Municipal Airport was reported as: wind 110 degrees at 5 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, sky condition clear, temperature 26 degrees C, dew point 17 degrees C, altimeter 29.83 inches of mercury.