Accident PZL M-18 Dromader N28625, Wednesday 14 March 1990

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Date:	Wednesday 14 March 1990
Time:	17:00 LT
Type:	PZL M-18 Dromader
Owner/operator:	Fess Flying Service, Inc
Registration:	N28625
MSN:	12008-19
Engine model:	PEZETEL ASZ-621R-M-18
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 1
Other fatalities:	0
Aircraft damage:	Substantial
Category:	Accident
Location:	Elaine, AR - United States of America
Phase:	Take off
Nature:	Agricultural
Departure airport:
Destination airport:
Investigating agency:	NTSB
Confidence Rating:	Accident investigation report completed and information captured

Narrative:
THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO TAKEOFF FROM A NARROW 1600 FT STRIP WITH A HEAVY LOAD. REPORTEDLY, THE ACFT'S WING STRUCK THE TERRAIN. SUBSEQUENTLY, IT SPUN AROUND & WAS DAMAGED. THE PILOT SAID THE WEATHER WAS UNSETTLED WITH VARIABLE WINDS FROM 140 TO 170 DEG, GUSTING 20 TO 30 KNOTS. ADDITIONALLY, HE SAID THERE MIGHT HAVE BEEN A SOFT AREA IN THE RUNWAY THAT CONTRIBUTED TO A LOSS OF FORWARD MOMENTUM. APRX 60 MI WNW AT LITTLE ROCK, THE 1550 WIND WAS FROM 180 DEG AT 10 GUSTING 25 KTS.

Probable Cause: IMPROPER PLANNING/DECISION BY THE PILOT AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE UNFAVORABLE WEATHER CONDITIONS, RUNWAY CONDITION, AND THE PILOT'S OVERCONFIDENCE IN HIMSELF AND THE AIRCRAFT.

Accident investigation: