Accident Details
A commercial pilot operating a tailwheel-equipped agricultural airplane experienced a takeoff accident on runway 18. The runway was 3,200 feet long and 60 feet wide, with an asphalt surface. The flight was intended to fertilize a rice field approximately three miles south of the airport.
During the takeoff roll, the pilot raised the tail of the airplane. A gust of wind then blew the airplane to the right of the runway centerline. The pilot regained directional control and elected to continue the takeoff. Another gust caused the aircraft to become airborne prematurely. The pilot noted that the airplane "came off of the ground normal but a little higher than he wanted." As he attempted to maintain runway heading alignment, the airplane began to "settle," and aileron control became "real light."
The pilot then pointed the airplane into the wind, hoping for a "gust of help" in climbing to avoid trees. The airplane subsequently impacted trees and came to rest in an upright position. A post-impact fire ensued.
Pilot Information
The pilot held a commercial certificate and had accumulated 5,700 total flight hours, including 1,200 hours in the same make and model of airplane. In the 90 days preceding the accident, the pilot flew approximately 75 hours.