November 1963 in Borneo. A Single Engine Pioneer was operating at a 200 yd jungle strip up country. The payload of the SEP was 2000 lbs ( inc pilot and fuel ). Pilot is in seat about to start the engine, when an Infantry subaltern arrives and asks if it OK to put half a dozen Jerrycans in the back, as they are needed at the next destination.
Pilot agrees, and stays in his seat, the Jerrycans are loaded and strapped down in the back. Attempts Take-off but aircraft does not reach flying speed, aborts and runs off the end into the jungle. Wings pulled off in the impact but pilot uninjured. It transpired that the Jerrycans were full of water and the aircraft was 300 lbs overweight.
Hasty local purchase of all the bathroom scales that could be obtained, for issue to all fixed-wing and helo operating up country, with strict instructions on how to use them.