NTSB Factual Report

On July 16, 2003, at 1945 central daylight time, an Ayres S2R-G6, N3105U, operated by E & S Spraying, was substantially damaged on impact with terrain during takeoff on runway 36 (3,900 feet by 40 feet, turf) from a private airstrip six miles east of Esmond, North Dakota. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The commercial pilot reported no injuries. The 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight was not operating on a flight plan. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident.

The pilot reported he "hit a bump" about half way down the runway which, "jarred [the airplane] enough to get some spray mist on [the] windshield." The pilot stated the spray compound on the windshield made it difficult for him to distinguish the grass runway from the soybean fields on both sides of the runway. The pilot indicated the airplane began to drift to the right and then to the left of the "crown" of the runway. The pilot reported he "knew [he] had to dump the load to have a chance to get it flying." The pilot stated that about the time he was in ground effect the spray boom caught in the soybeans. The pilot reported he tried to keep the wings level to prevent the airplane from cartwheeling, and the airplane settled to the ground. The airplane skidded sideways, impacted a drainage ditch, and the landing gear collapsed.

The pilot reported he noticed the spray hopper lid was latched during his pre-flight inspection, but it had a tendency to "seep" a little around the lid.

The pilot reported no mechanical functions or defects prior to the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

The obstruction of the windshield by the application chemical restricting the pilot's visual lookout, and the pilot's failure to perform an aborted takeoff. Factors contributing to the accident were the leak in the hopper lid and the drainage ditch.