Accident Overview
An agricultural airplane sustained substantial damage when it impacted terrain during takeoff from runway 18 at an airstrip. The runway was 2,200 feet long and composed of asphalt and gravel. The pilot was conducting an aerial application flight.
Preflight and Loading
According to the pilot, the airplane was loaded with approximately 500 pounds of fuel and 2,700 pounds of urea prior to the flight. The calculated takeoff weight was about 7,600 pounds. The maximum demonstrated gross weight for the restricted-category airplane was 8,300 pounds.
Takeoff Sequence
The pilot reported that the wind was approximately 10 to 12 mph from the north. He performed what he described as a "straight downwind takeoff" using full engine power. About halfway down the runway, the pilot realized he was in trouble and decided to dump the agricultural load. When the airplane reached the end of the runway, it struck a levee. The impact caused the airplane to pitch to a nose-high attitude. The pilot then lowered the nose, and the airplane "mushed down, losing airspeed."
Impact and Final Resting Position
The airplane subsequently impacted terrain tail first, nosed over, and came to rest upside down. Wind conditions reported near the time of the accident were 010 degrees at 8 knots.
Pilot Statement
The pilot's account provides the only description of the events. No other crew or passengers were mentioned in the report.