NTSB Factual Report

On June 9, 2003, at 1530 central daylight time, a Dromader M-18, N51402, sustained substantial damage when it departed the runway and impacted terrain during an aborted takeoff at a private airstrip, (2,600 feet by 100 feet, turf), near Dumas, Arkansas. The pilot reported no injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The agricultural application flight was being operated under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 137 without a flight plan. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

According to a written statement by the pilot, "during takeoff, the wind changed directions and created problems getting the airplane off the ground. At the end of the runway, in [a] last effort, I changed direction of the aircraft crossing a highway and two ditches to a avoid a house." The obstruction was reported as approximately 50 feet from the end of the runway.

The pilot reported making 12 flights from the same airstrip earlier that day. The pilot noted that on a typical takeoff from the airstrip, the airplane was over halfway down the runway before the airplane began to lift off. On the accident flight, the pilot stated that the "tail came up a little late", the airplane lifted off, and then started settling. The pilot reported that he was concerned that he wouldn't clear the house.

The weather conditions reported at Monticello Municipal Airport, located approximately 24 nautical miles southwest of Dumas, at 1953 were: winds variable at 3 knots; temperature 29 degrees Celsius; dew point 17 degrees Celsius; altimeter 30.00 inches mercury.

The pilot reported no anomalies with the aircraft or engine prior to the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's delay in aborting the takeoff and his intentional maneuver to avoid the obstruction at the end of the runway. Contributing factors were the road and ditch.