FTW96LA205

The pilot was on an aerial application flight and operating from a grass strip. He reported that during the takeoff roll, tall grass along the left edge of the airstrip, affected acceleration. When the airplane reached the departure end of the runway, the lower wing came in contact with a fence post and separated.

On May 10, 1996, at 0800 central daylight time, a Grumman G-164B, N6832K, registered to and operated by O'Brien Flying Service, Inc. of Iowa, Louisiana, as a Title 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight, overran the departure end of the runway during takeoff near Iowa, Louisiana. The commercial pilot was not injured and the airplane sustained substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight and a flight plan was not filed. The airplane had been operating from the grass airstrip for about one hour prior to the accident.

During an interview conducted by the investigator in charge, the pilot stated that during the takeoff roll along the "left edge of the grass airstrip, the tall grass affected acceleration." He further reported that the airplane departed the left side of the runway, and the main gear collapsed in muddy terrain as the airplane slid to a stop.

On the Pilot/Operator Report, the pilot stated that takeoff speed was not obtained. When the airplane reached the end of the runway, the lower left wing separated as it came in contact with a fence post. The airplane came to rest "facing approximately 45 degrees left of takeoff heading."