What happened
The pilot was conducting a standard aerial application flight when the incident occurred. While completing a turn to final approach for crop dusting, the aircraft was approximately 15 feet above ground level and traveling at 65 miles per hour. At this altitude, the aircraft collided with a bird, which was presumed to be a red-tailed hawk.
The force of the impact shattered the plexiglass canopy and caused a momentary distraction for the pilot. In the split second that followed, the aircraft descended rapidly and made contact with soft dirt terrain. The nose of the plane dug into the ground, causing the aircraft to flip over completely.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and noted the damage to the canopy structure consistent with a high-energy impact from an external object. The condition of the propeller and engine was reviewed to rule out mechanical failure prior to the collision. The terrain at the site of impact consisted of soft dirt, which contributed to the nose digging in during the subsequent ground contact.
Findings
The primary factor in this accident was the bird strike at low altitude during a critical phase of flight. The resulting damage to the canopy and the pilot's momentary distraction led to a loss of control. The aerial application maneuver placed the aircraft in proximity to wildlife activity, increasing the risk of collision.
The pilot retained control until the initial impact, but the combination of structural damage and terrain interaction resulted in the rollover. No further mechanical anomalies were identified that would have contributed to the sequence of events.