COLLEGEPORT, TX, USA
N7501P
SCHWEIZER G-164B
THE AERIAL APPLICATION PILOT WAS TAKING OFF FROM AN 1,800 FOOT, 'SOFT, WET' AIRSTRIP IN AN AIRPLANE 'OVERLOADED' WITH FERTILIZER AND FUEL. THE AIRPLANE DID NOT ATTAIN FLYING SPEED WITHIN THE LENGTH OF THE RUNWAY. THE AIRPLANE OVERRAN THE END OF THE RUNWAY IMPACTING BUSHES AND SMALL TREES COMING TO REST IN THE INVERTED POSITION.
On June 3, 1995, at 1600 central daylight time, a Schweizer G-164B, N7501P, was substantially damaged during takeoff near Collegeport, Texas. The airline transport rated pilot was not injured. The aircraft was being operated by Fehmel Planes, Inc., under Title 14 CFR Part 137. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local aerial application flight and a flight plan was not filed. During a personal interview, conducted by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, the pilot stated that the airplane was loaded with fertilizer and refueled at an 1,800 foot airstrip. He further stated that during the takeoff roll, the soft, wet ground prevented the "overloaded" airplane from attaining takeoff airspeed. The airplane overran the end of the runway impacting bushes and small trees before coming to rest in the inverted position.
THE PILOT'S IMPROPER PLANNING/DECISION BY ATTEMPTING TO TAKEOFF IN AN OVERWEIGHT CONDITION FROM AN 1,800 FOOT RUNWAY. FACTORS WERE THE WET AND SOFT CONDITION OF THE RUNWAY.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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