N731MK

On August 8, 1995, at 1030 central daylight time, a Cessna 188T, N731MK, collided with the ground during a takeoff attempt from a private sod airstrip near Town Creek, Alabama. The aerial application flight was being operated under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 137, with no flight plan filed. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The commercial pilot was not injured, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The accident occurred during the initial takeoff from the sod airstrip.

According to the pilot, he landed at the sod airstrip, and loaded the aircraft with 135 gallons of chemicals instead of the routine 150 gallons. The chemical load was reduced because of recent rain at the airstrip which left the runway wet. During the takeoff roll, the airplane encountered a soft spot on the runway surface which slowed the ground roll. The airplane never reached flying speed, but continued off the departure end of the runway. As the airplane rolled into the cotton field, the pilot aborted the takeoff, and jettisoned the chemical load. No aircraft mechanical problems were reported by the pilot.