What happened
The incident occurred during an agricultural spraying mission. The pilot was conducting a swath run when he observed a leak from the left spray nozzle. Simultaneously, he noticed a person standing on the porch of a house directly beneath his flight path.
In an effort to ensure the safety of the individual on the ground and avoid the structure, the pilot attempted to maneuver the aircraft. This corrective action resulted in the aircraft entering a nose-high attitude with the left wing low. At approximately 180 feet above ground level (AGL), the aircraft entered a partial stall.
The pilot responded by applying full power and jettisoning the chemical load to reduce weight. Despite these efforts, the terrain presented significant obstacles, with trees reaching up to 100 feet in height surrounding the area. As the aircraft attempted to climb out of the low-altitude situation, it stalled completely and crashed into the treetops.
The investigation
Post-impact examination revealed that the shoulder harness failed during the collision. This mechanical failure contributed to the severity of the injuries sustained by the pilot.
Findings
The primary factors leading to the accident included:
- Loss of control due to stall at low altitude
- Inadequate terrain clearance while attempting to avoid a person on the ground
- Failure of the shoulder harness during impact
The pilot sustained facial injuries in the crash. No other individuals were reported injured or killed.
Safety message
This accident highlights the critical importance of maintaining adequate airspeed and altitude awareness during low-level agricultural operations, particularly when unexpected hazards such as people on the ground are encountered. Pilots must prioritize aircraft control over immediate avoidance maneuvers that may lead to aerodynamic stalls.