Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
THE PILOT'S IMPROPER PLANNING/DECISION BY ATTEMPTING TO TAKEOFF IN AN OVERWEIGHT CONDITION FROM AN 1,800 FOOT RUNWAY. FACTORS WERE THE WET AND SOFT CONDITION OF THE RUNWAY.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On June 3, 1995, at 1600 central daylight time, a Schweizer G-164B, N7501P, was substantially damaged during takeoff near Collegeport, Texas. The airline transport rated pilot was not injured. The aircraft was being operated by Fehmel Planes, Inc., under Title 14 CFR Part 137. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local aerial application flight and a flight plan was not filed.
During a personal interview, conducted by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, the pilot stated that the airplane was loaded with fertilizer and refueled at an 1,800 foot airstrip. He further stated that during the takeoff roll, the soft, wet ground prevented the "overloaded" airplane from attaining takeoff airspeed. The airplane overran the end of the runway impacting bushes and small trees before coming to rest in the inverted position.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# FTW95LA233