Accident PZL M-18A Dromader N163RA, Tuesday 16 July 1996

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Date:	Tuesday 16 July 1996
Time:	12:00 LT
Type:	PZL M-18A Dromader
Owner/operator:	Private
Registration:	N163RA
MSN:	1Z015-16
Total airframe hrs:	2800 hours
Engine model:	Pzl-Kalisz ASZ-621R
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 1
Other fatalities:	0
Aircraft damage:	Substantial
Category:	Accident
Location:	Beedeville, AR - United States of America
Phase:	Initial climb
Nature:	Agricultural
Departure airport:
Destination airport:
Investigating agency:	NTSB
Confidence Rating:	Accident investigation report completed and information captured

Narrative:
The pilot reported that during the morning he had flown '10 to 15 loads' off the 2,542-foot dirt airstrip with 'no problems.' He further reported that 'upon becoming airborne and flying approximately 300 feet, the front wheels touched the rice that was planted across the gravel road (due north) from the airstrip.' Contact with the rice 'caused the loss of airspeed.' The airplane struck a rice field levee, nosed over, and came to rest inverted.

Probable Cause: The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance.

Accident investigation: