SEA96LA155

The pilot reported that he had just loaded 1,500 pounds of dry fertilizer for the next aerial application run. During the takeoff ground roll, approaching the departure end of the runway, the pilot noted that the airspeed was still too low for liftoff. He opted to dump the load and pull up to try and fly in ground effect. The airplane lifted off, but it settled in a nose high attitude into a field of tall wheat. The airplane decelerated and came to rest inverted. After the airplane was removed, the engine was inspected. During the inspection, a crack on the head of the number eight cylinder was found between the intake and exhaust valves. A weight and balance calculation showed the airplane was approximately 540 pounds over its maximum certified gross weight.

On July 15, 1996, at 1400 mountain daylight time, a Grumman G-164A, N48442, operated by Taylor Aviation as a 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight, collided with the terrain shortly after takeoff from a dirt airstrip near New Plymouth, Idaho. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged and the commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured.

The pilot reported that he had been spraying dry fertilizer throughout the day. The airplane had just been loaded with 1,500 pounds of fertilizer and was taking off for another run. The pilot stated that as the airplane approached the end of the runway, he noticed that the airspeed was 50 mph. The pilot reported that the airplane needs about 72 mph to fly, but will fly in ground effect at about 60 mph and accelerate. At the end of the runway, the pilot opted to dump the load and pull up to try and fly in ground effect. The pilot glanced down at the airspeed indicator and noticed 60 mph, however, the airplane settled nose high into the tall wheat field. The airplane decelerated and came to rest inverted.

After the airplane was removed from the field, the engine was inspected. During the inspection, a crack on the head of the number eight cylinder was found between the intake and exhaust valves.

The calculated weight and balance for the flight determined that the airplane was loaded approximately 540 pounds over the maximum gross weight of 4,500 pounds.