Event Details
During the takeoff roll at a private airstrip, an aerial application aircraft encountered a rut in the runway surface. According to the pilot's statement, the aircraft was nearing liftoff when it struck the rut, causing a sharp leftward pull. The pilot attempted to lift off by pulling back on the stick, but at that moment the left boom contacted wheat, resulting in a rotation of approximately one and a half turns counterclockwise just above the wheat. The aircraft then traveled roughly 400 feet through the air before impacting tail-section first.
Pilot Statement
The pilot provided a detailed account of the sequence: 'The plane was about ready for lift off when I hit a rut causing the plane to pull sharply to the left. I pulled back on the stick to lift off, but at the same time the left boom hit the wheat, causing the plane to rotate 11/2 turns counter clockwise just above the wheat. The plane traveled approximately 400 feet through the air, hitting tail section first... There was no prop strike, no injuries to pilot but major damage to the aircraft.'
Damage and Injuries
The aircraft sustained substantial damage from the event. No injuries were reported, and there was no propeller strike. The pilot was the sole occupant.
Probable Cause
In his statement, the pilot identified the probable cause: 'Probable Cause of Accident: Pilot assumed too much; needed to check things out better, especially the runway. Probable cause of accident due to pilot error.'