What happened
On the morning of the accident, an aerial topdressing operation began at 0'7:30 a.m. following weather-related delays. After completing twenty-seven fertilizer loads, the crew took a thirty-minute intermission, during which time the aircraft was refueled to its maximum capacity. Upon resuming operations, the pilot requested that the loader driver replenish the hopper with the same weight as previous loads.
During the subsequent takeoff from a sloping airstrip, an observer noted that the Fletcher appeared to require more distance to lift off than in prior sorties. As the aircraft departed the end of the runway, it was seen performing a left-hand turn at an altitude of approximately 30 to 40 feet while exhibiting a porpoising motion. The bank angle increased sharply, eventually exceeding vertical, leading the aircraft to impact a gully in an inverted position. The resulting impact and intense fire destroyed the aircraft, and the pilot was killed in the crash.
Findings
Investigations revealed that a change in wind conditions during the break introduced a slightly stronger tailwind component for the takeoff run. This increased wind factor, paired with the heavy weight of a full fuel load and a full hopper, meant the aircraft lacked the necessary runway length to achieve flight. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft struck a fence at the end of the strip in a nose-high attitude.
Contact with a concrete post caused significant damage to the left stabilator, pulling it out of alignment with the fuselage and restricting control movement. While there was no evidence that the maximum allowable takeoff weight had been exceeded, the aircraft was effectively overloaded for the specific environmental conditions present. The engine remained at full power until the moment of impact.