Accident Details
The pilot, a contract pilot, had been flying the accident airplane for only five days prior to the incident. According to the pilot, the operator had kept the airplane on the "ready pad" for the previous four days, with all tie-downs and gust locks removed. However, on the day of the accident, the airplane was tied down with all gust locks still installed.
Preflight and Takeoff
The pilot completed a preflight inspection but did not remove the rudder gust lock. During the takeoff roll, the pilot had to use the brakes to keep the airplane centered on the runway, resulting in a much longer takeoff roll than normal. The airplane then dragged through 10-foot-high corn off the end of the runway, losing lift, and the pilot executed a forced landing in a field.
Landing and Damage
During the landing roll, the airplane collided with a tree. The accident caused substantial damage to the fuselage, both wings, and the empennage.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane. He stated that he should have completed a more thorough preflight inspection.