NTSB Factual Report

On May 8, 2004, at 1015 central daylight time, a WSK PZL Mielec M-18 single-engine agricultural airplane, N203H, registered to Mid South Dusters of Sherill, Arkansas, and operated by Commercial Agri Aircraft Operators of DeValls Bluff, Arkansas, was substantially damaged when it impacted the ground following a loss of control after takeoff from a private grass airstrip near Brinkley, Arkansas. The commercial pilot, who was the sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 aerial application flight.

During an interview with the NTSB investigator-in-charge, the 6,500-hour pilot stated that he was taking off from a 1/2-mile long private grass airstrip, loaded with sulfides to spray a local field. The airplane became airborne and then settled at the end of the runway, impacting a slightly elevated roadway berm which was oriented perpendicular to the departure end of the runway. After striking the ground, the airplane came to rest in the upright position. The pilot reported that he believed that he loaded "too much" sulfides in the hopper, and the airplane "stalled" just after liftoff. According to the operator, the maximum takeoff weight of the airplane was 11,700 pounds (with a STC for a 800-gallon hopper). The pilot stated that he did not know his exact takeoff weight at the time of the accident.

Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, who responded to the accident site, revealed that the left wing spar was bent and the radial engine was partially separated from the airframe.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilots failure to attain flying airspeed after takeoff. A factor was the overloading of agricultural chemicals that exceeded the airplane's maximum takeoff weight.