What happened
The pilot was conducting agricultural spraying operations on a field bordered by tree lines along both its north and south edges. During the operation, the aircraft executed a run along the southern boundary of the treated area. While pulling up from this specific swath, the aircraft struck the top of a pecan tree located at the edge of the field.
Following the collision with the tree canopy, the aircraft pitched upward and subsequently entered a spin. The aircraft then crashed at the site of the impact. There were no reported discrepancies with the aircraft or engine prior to the accident sequence.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and the condition of the aircraft following the crash. A thorough inspection revealed no preimpact mechanical discrepancies with either the airframe or the engine. The damage was consistent with the described impact with the tree and subsequent spin.