Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during the takeoff roll. Contributing to the accident was the rough condition of the runway.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that he was taking off from an 80-foot-wide, rough grass airstrip to conduct an aerial application flight. During the takeoff roll, the airplane began to bounce and drift to the right. The airplane’s right wing contacted the adjacent corn crop, and the airplane veered further right into the corn field, where it nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. The pilot stated that he did not experience any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that he was conducting an aerial application flight and taking off from an 80-foot-wide, rough grass private airstrip. During the takeoff roll, the airplane began to bounce and drift to the right. The airplane’s right wing contacted corn and it subsequently veered further to the right and nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. The pilot stated that he did not experience any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.