N8930Q

On March 11, 2004, about 1800 Pacific standard time, an Ayres Thrush S-2R, N8930Q, veered off the runway and nosed over while attempting to takeoff at a private dirt strip near Los Banos, California. T-Craft, Inc., was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 137 as a local aerial application flight. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan had not been filed.

In a written statement, the pilot reported that he was attempting to depart the field in a westerly direction, during dusk. While on takeoff roll, his visibility was limited due to glare from the setting sun. The pilot lost visual reference to the runway and veered off the pavement to the left. The airplane continued off the runway and encountered soft terrain. The left main landing gear sank, and the airplane nosed over. The airplane came to rest inverted. The pilot stated that the accident could have been prevented if he had departed in an easterly direction. The airplane incurred damage to the wing tips and cockpit. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane.