What happened
The pilot was conducting a flight specifically to verify the adjustment of the aircraft's spray dispensing system. To facilitate this check without using actual chemicals, the aircraft carried twenty gallons of water as a substitute payload. During ground operations, the pilot reported that a left crosswind caused the left wing and the attached spray apparatus to make contact with high vegetation situated along the side of the runway. This contact resulted in the loss of directional control, causing the aircraft to ground loop off the side of the runway.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical state of the spray dispensing equipment and the circumstances surrounding the ground loop. The pilot's statement indicated that the vegetation contact was a direct result of the crosswind conditions during the maneuver. No other mechanical failures or environmental factors were cited in the narrative provided.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to the incident was the loss of directional control during ground operations. The pilot acknowledged that the left crosswind led to the wing and spray gear striking vegetation, which compromised the aircraft's stability on the ground.