Accident Details
The pilot reported that during takeoff, the airplane would not climb out of ground effect. After departing the runway, the airplane settled into a corn field located off the end of the 3,100-foot-long asphalt runway. The left landing gear collapsed and the airplane nosed over, resulting in substantial damage to the wings.
Weight and Loading
The airplane's maximum certified gross weight was 4,500 pounds. Its basic empty weight was 3,093.8 pounds. At the time of the accident, the airplane was loaded with 80 gallons of fuel (480 pounds) and 170 gallons of a water/chemical mix (1,419.5 pounds). The pilot's weight was approximately 185 pounds. Based on these figures, the airplane was approximately 678.3 pounds over the maximum gross weight at the time of the takeoff.
Damage
The substantial damage was limited to the wings. The left landing gear collapsed, and the airplane nosed over during the event.