N4443S

On August 8, 1998, at 1945 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-301, N4443S, operated by a commercial pilot, received substantial damage on collision with crops and terrain during takeoff on runway 26 (2,485 feet by 30 feet, asphalt/turf/aggregate friction seal coat) at Edgeley Municipal Airport near Edgeley, North Dakota. As the aircraft lost altitude the pilot realized that the load was too heavy and dropped the load. The aircraft hit the ground twice and rolled into a cornfield. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The 14 Part 137 local agricultural flight was not operating on a flight plan. The pilot reported no injuries. The flight originated at Edgely Municipal Airport.

In a written statement, the pilot reported the following: "...I attempted a takeoff to the west. I had 40 gallons of fuel and 250 gal. of H2O in the hopper. Upon reaching the end of the runway, I proceeded to pull up. The a/c went into a 3pt attitude. I began to dump my load. The a/c flew in an uncontrolled manner for 100 yds then the right wing struck a gravel road sending me sideways into a cornfield for 300 ft then the a/c came to a stop."

The pilot also reported that the crash was a result of density altitude.

According to a Federal Aviation Inspector, the pilot stated to the highway patrol that he had 320 gallons of product. The aircraft was loaded to 5,895 lbs. The temperate was 84 degrees F with light and variable winds at the time of the accident.

The aircraft had a certified gross weight of 5,000 lbs.