Overview
A pilot attempted to depart from a private grass airstrip. During the takeoff, the airplane struck standing corn at the departure end of the runway, which caused the aircraft to flip over and come to rest inverted. The accident resulted in substantial damage to the airplane. The pilot sustained only minor injuries.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, the takeoff was normal, with a slight headwind present. After lifting off from the runway, the pilot felt that the airplane encountered either a wind shift or a downdraft. Subsequently, the airplane struck the standing corn at the departure end of the runway and flipped over, landing inverted.
Aircraft and Load
The airplane was loaded with 120 gallons of fungicide and between one-half and three-quarters of its fuel capacity. No mechanical abnormalities were reported prior to the accident. Weight and balance calculations indicated that the airplane was within the maximum gross weight and center of gravity limits for the existing conditions at the time of takeoff.