Accident Overview
An agricultural airplane was involved in an accident shortly after takeoff from a 2,900-foot dirt airstrip. The airplane had been fueled to capacity before departing for a 10-minute flight from its base of operation to a staging strip. Upon arrival at the staging strip, it was loaded with 2,300 pounds of fertilizer.
Takeoff and Accident Sequence
The airplane took off to the west with a right quartering tailwind of 3–4 knots. After becoming airborne, while executing a left turn, the left wing struck trees. Subsequently, the airplane impacted the ground in a near inverted, nose-low attitude approximately 3,900 feet from the east end of the airstrip. The airplane came to rest upright and was then consumed by a fire.
Witness and Operator Statements
A witness reported observing the airplane during its takeoff roll to the west but did not see the accident. He noted that "the only thing that might have been odd about the takeoff was a slightly longer than normal [roll] out before he broke ground. But not enough concern for me to turn and watch his departure [to the] south." The operator stated that the normal departure procedure when taking off west was to turn south prior to reaching the trees and go under a set of power lines.
Post-Accident Examination
An FAA inspector examined the airplane wreckage and established flight control continuity. An autopsy performed on the pilot revealed no evidence of any preexisting disease that could have contributed to the accident. Toxicological tests were negative for carbon monoxide, cyanide, alcohol, and drugs.