Grumman G-164A N7843 accident near Atlantic, Iowa

Probable cause

The pilot’s delay in releasing product to reduce the airplane’s weight and improve its climb performance, which was reduced because of the high density altitude.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that the airplane was fueled to capacity (400 gallons) and that the hopper contained 1,200 pounds of seed. The airplane weighed 5,134 pounds at takeoff, or 866 pounds below maximum gross takeoff weight. The pilot said that he had no difficulty taking off, but after reaching 500 feet and turning north toward the field to be sprayed, the airplane began to slowly lose altitude. Believing he would be unable to clear an approaching tree line, he opened the leveler and the seed slowly began to dump. As he pulled up to avoid the trees, the airplane stalled, hit the trees, and impacted a bean field. As the ambient air temperature was in excess of 90 degrees F, the airplane's performance would have been reduced by the high density altitude.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN13LA533 for the full record.