Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to take off with a tailwind, which resulted in the airplane not attaining sufficient airspeed for takeoff.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that he was on his sixth chemical application load of the day. He had a full load of chemicals (500 gallons), which brought the airplane close to maximum gross weight. During takeoff the airplane did not achieve rotation speed before it approached the end of the 2,700-foot-long runway. The pilot raised the nose to take off attitude, the airplane lifted off then settled back down, colliding with a barbwire fence and an irrigation ditch. The horizontal stabilizer and elevator were substantially damaged. Another Ag pilot who witnessed the accident stated that the pilot had taken off with a 6-knot tail wind. There was no report of a mechanical failure or malfunction with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot stated that he was on his sixth chemical application load of the day. He had a full load of chemicals (500 gallons), which brought the airplane close to maximum gross weight. During takeoff the airplane did not achieve rotation speed before it approached the end of the 2,700-foot-long runway. The pilot raised the nose to take off attitude, the airplane lifted off then settled back down, colliding with a barbwire fence and an irrigation ditch. The horizontal stabilizer and elevator were substantially damaged. Another Ag pilot who witnessed the accident stated that the pilot had taken off with a 6-knot tail wind. There was no report of a mechanical failure or malfunction with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.