Incident Overview
An agricultural aircraft experienced an accident during a seed spreading operation. The pilot reported that after making one pass on a low boundary, they began a climbing left turn to make another pass. Reaching approximately 300 feet above ground level (AGL), the pilot attempted to pass over a telephone draw ridge. At that point, a strong down draft was encountered.
Pilot Account
The pilot applied full climb power and tried to turn toward lower ground but was unable to overcome the sink rate and clear the terrain. The pilot then flared the aircraft to a landing altitude just before touchdown to minimize speed and damage. The pilot reported not recalling much after impact but indicated that the left wing and main gear struck first, causing a 180-degree counterclockwise rotation. Subsequently, the tail struck and collapsed, allowing the aircraft to land on its back on top of the tail.
Environmental Conditions
The density altitude over the 6700 feet mean sea level (MSL) terrain was reported as 9205 feet, indicating reduced air density that may have affected aircraft performance.
Damage
The aircraft sustained damage during the accident sequence, including left wing and main gear impact, tail collapse, and the aircraft ending inverted.