What happened
The aircraft was engaged in an agricultural operation, specifically spraying wheat with a toxic chemical, when it collided with the terrain. The incident occurred during a procedure turnaround maneuver. According to the factual narrative, the airplane did not experience a stall prior to impact. Additionally, witnesses or investigators noted that the engine sound did not change, suggesting no mechanical failure was audible before the crash.
The investigation
Examination of the wreckage revealed a separated aileron crossover cable. Technical analysis of this component showed no signs of fatigue, indicating it likely failed due to the impact forces rather than causing them. To rule out chemical impairment as a factor in the pilot's performance, medical testing was conducted on the pilot's blood. The results showed that cholinesterase levels were within normal limits. This finding is significant because toxic pesticides typically inhibit cholinesterase activity; normal levels suggest pesticide poisoning did not contribute to the accident.
Findings
The investigation determined that the aircraft struck the ground while performing a maneuver common in agricultural flying. The absence of stall characteristics and the lack of fatigue on the control cable point away from mechanical failure or aerodynamic stall as primary causes. The normal blood chemistry further isolates the cause to operational factors rather than pilot incapacitation from chemical exposure.