N90158

On August 10, 2000, about 1530 central daylight time, an Air Tractor 502B, N90158, registered to and operated by Shannon Agricultural Flying, Inc. as a Title 14 CFR Part 137, agricultural flight, overran the airstrip during takeoff in Perthshire, Mississippi. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time, and no flight plan was filed. The commercial-rated pilot reported no injuries, and the airplane incurred substantial damage. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

The pilot stated that he loaded the aircraft with 450 gallons of chemicals, adding, "...that's the load I used (sic) carry," and took off towards the east on a 2,600 feet long airstrip. He noticed, "that the tail did not get up after more than half way of the takeoff roll." He then put the flaps in the full down position and he started working with the trim, trying to raise the tail. He also stated that the airplane was never airborne and the right wheel and the right wing hit the soybeans. The nose went down, the propeller hit the ground, the airplane made a right turn landing on the tail and came to a rest.

The FAA inspector who examined the airplane stated that he saw marks on the grass field all the way to the plane and that the flaps were in a full down position. He also stated, "I found no mechanical problems with the aircraft and due to the atmospheric conditions at the time, the aircraft was overloaded."

The temperature at the time of the accident was about 102 F, and the density altitude about 2,900 feet.