Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate remedial action. Factors include high density altitude and unfavorable winds.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that he began rolling down the runway on takeoff and everything seemed normal until he neared the end of the runway and couldn't get the airplane to fly. He dumped his load, but it was not enough the clear a hill at the end of the airstrip. An FAA inspector stated that a tailwind and 100 degree heat contributed to the inability of the airplane to clear the hill.
Source record
Factual narrative
On July 29, 1994, at 1730 Pacific daylight time, a Dromader M-18, N81705, collided with terrain after takeoff from a private dirt strip five miles east of Vantage, Washington. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged and the commercial pilot was not injured. After filling up with chemicals to spray on nearby fields, the pilot attempted to take off. An FAA inspector stated that a tailwind and 100+ heat prohibited the pilot from clearing a hill and the aircraft collided with the hill. -