What happened
Following the completion of an agricultural application pass, the aircraft initiated a right-hand climbing turn before leveling its wings. The pilot then reportedly executed a sudden vertical ascent of approximately 50 to 60 feet. Immediately after reaching this altitude, the nose pitched downward, leading to a steep descent and subsequent impact with the ground.
The force of the collision resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft by fire. The pilot sustained fatal injuries from the impact, exposure to hazardous chemicals, and the resulting blaze. A witness on the ground suffered minor hand injuries while attempting to rescue the pilot from the wreckage.
The investigation
Examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of pre-impact mechanical failure or malfunction of the airframe or engine components. The aircraft was operating under normal flight parameters prior to the abrupt maneuver.
Toxicological analysis of the pilot's blood indicated a significant impairment factor. The blood alcohol concentration was measured at 0.179 percent, which is well above the legal limit for operation in many jurisdictions. Additionally, marijuana was detected in an alcohol swab taken from the pilot.
Records from the pilot's last medical examination on July 31, 1984, confirmed a total flight time of 350 hours at that date.
Findings
The primary factors contributing to this accident were the pilot's impairment due to alcohol and marijuana use. The combination of these substances likely degraded his motor skills and judgment, leading to the loss of control during the post-run maneuver. There was no indication of equipment failure or external environmental factors causing the crash.