Event Description
An airplane conducting aerial spraying operations experienced a loss of directional control during a road takeoff, resulting in a collision with a fence. The pilot had just picked up a load and began the takeoff roll with 15 degrees of flaps. After accelerating to approximately 72 mph, the airplane lifted off the road momentarily before settling back onto the ground. The pilot then lost directional control, and the airplane exited the left side of the road, striking a fence. The airplane came to rest approximately 15 to 20 feet from the road.
Pilot Statement
The pilot reported that he thought he may have encountered the wake of another airplane that was working in the area. That airplane had taken off three minutes prior to the accident flight. The pilot stated there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal flight.
Weather Conditions
According to a weather reporting facility located 10 miles to the south, the wind at the time of the accident was calm, and the temperature was 25 degrees Celsius.