Accident Details
The accident occurred during a Title 14, CFR Part 137 aerial application flight. The commercial certificated pilot reported that after liftoff from a gravel airstrip, he kept the airplane in ground effect to accelerate. The purpose was to gain enough speed to clear wires at the end of the runway.
Pilot Account
The pilot stated that the airplane would not climb high enough to clear the wires. He elected to turn away from them. After initiating the turn, he realized he could not turn quickly enough and decided to fly under the wires. During the maneuver, the main landing gear wheels contacted mud, causing the airplane to nose over. The wing sustained substantial damage.
The pilot reported departing the airstrip with about a 5-knot tailwind. Another pilot he spoke with said that the tailwind increased to about 25 knots at the height of the wires, which was approximately 30 feet. The accident pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane.
Aircraft Damage
The nose-over resulted in substantial damage to the wing. No other damage description was provided.