What happened
The pilot was conducting aerial crop dusting operations over a field when the incident occurred. He had been spraying for approximately one hour and was executing his last pass across the target area. An owner or flagger on the ground communicated via two-way radio to warn the pilot about the presence of a standpipe and a radio antenna in the vicinity.
The pilot acknowledged the warning and reported that he was on his final pass, believing his altitude was sufficient to clear the obstruction safely. However, as the aircraft approached the location of the antenna, it pulled up steeply and rolled to the right before descending rapidly into the ground. The impact occurred approximately 125 feet beyond a fiberglass whip antenna.
The investigation
Examination of the crash site revealed that the antenna was roughly 75 to 85 feet above ground level at its peak, tapering from a one-inch diameter base to a very thin top. Approximately 12 feet of the upper section had separated upon impact. Post-crash fire completely demolished the aircraft.
Findings
The investigation found no evidence of pre-impact mechanical malfunction or failure. The primary factor was the collision with the antenna during low-altitude agricultural operations. One fatal injury was recorded; the pilot died approximately ten minutes after being removed from the burning wreckage. Agricultural aircraft operations require heightened awareness of ground-based obstacles.
Safety message
Pilots conducting aerial application must maintain constant vigilance for both visible and invisible obstacles, even when warned by ground personnel. Clear communication regarding obstacle locations is critical, but pilots retain ultimate responsibility for maintaining safe clearance altitudes during low-level maneuvers.