Accident Overview
A single-engine agricultural airplane was involved in a takeoff overrun accident at a private airstrip. The commercial pilot, who had accumulated 11,000 flight hours, was conducting an aerial application flight to a nearby cotton field. The airplane’s hopper contained 250 gallons of cotton defoliant, and the fuel tanks held 35 gallons of 100LL aviation fuel.
Takeoff Sequence
The pilot reported that a full engine run-up was completed before taking the runway for a southeast departure. The airplane was equipped with a 600-horsepower radial engine, which was producing full power during the takeoff roll. The acceleration appeared normal. The tailwheel-equipped airplane was configured with flaps in the takeoff position (one notch down). The airstrip was gravel, measuring 3,200 feet in length and 130 feet in width.
Climb and Descent
After breaking ground, the airplane climbed to an altitude of 10 to 15 feet above ground level before settling back onto the runway. The pilot attempted to become airborne again, but the spray boom on the left wing collided with corn stalks in a corn field located at the departure end of the airstrip.
Final Position and Damage
The airplane came to rest in an upright position approximately 200 yards beyond the departure end of the airstrip. The aft section of the airplane sustained structural damage.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that there were no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane or the engine at the time of the accident. The pilot attributed the lack of performance to the calm winds that prevailed that morning. The investigator-in-charge calculated the density altitude at 881 feet.