Accident Details
An agricultural aircraft, engaged in low-level operations, failed to achieve significant altitude after takeoff. Approximately 1,300 meters beyond the start of the runway, the aircraft clipped the top of a fence. It then descended and collided with trees and the ground a further 700 meters along its flightpath.
Despite impact and fire damage, investigators found no evidence of engine failure or structural failure that may have contributed to the accident. The pilot was suitably qualified and experienced in low-level and agricultural operations, and the investigation did not identify any preconditions with the pilot that may have contributed to the accident.
Investigation Findings
The investigation identified several operational factors that would have contributed to decreased aircraft performance during the accident flight. These included high outside air temperature, aircraft weight, tailwind conditions, and the flaps being retracted at some point prior to the impact. Apparently unable to maintain height, the aircraft descended into the trees.
Although it was evident that the pilot attempted to dump the hopper load—which would have significantly improved the aircraft's performance—no significant dump of the contents occurred. These factors were explored in detail in the investigation report.