Accident Sequence
The pilot departed from a 2,500-foot private strip for the third of four planned aerial application flights. During the take-off, the pilot noted that the wind had shifted from the northeast to the east, with a speed of approximately 5 knots. Shortly after lift-off, the single-engine airplane began a slow descent. The pilot attempted to correct the problem by turning into the wind while heading to lower ground. However, the airplane continued to descend until it impacted terrain.
Pilot's Comments
The pilot stated that there were no pre-accident mechanical problems with the airplane. He further noted that the accident could have been prevented by having a lighter load, aborting the take-off, dumping the load just after take-off, or dumping the load instead of making a 90-degree turn.