Overview
An agricultural aircraft operating on a spraying assignment was involved in an accident after departing from an airport. The airplane, configured as a single-seat aircraft, was occupied by the pilot and a passenger. Approximately five minutes after takeoff, the aircraft collided with trees and crashed following an unscheduled low pass over an open field.
Sequence of Events
The pilot reported that prior to pulling up from the low pass, he misjudged the distance to the trees. The aircraft then struck the trees and subsequently crashed. The unscheduled low pass was not part of the planned spraying assignment.
Occupant Restraints
Neither of the two occupants was wearing a seat belt or shoulder harness at the time of the accident. The lack of restraint use was noted in the investigation.
Pilot Information
The pilot held a second-class medical certificate dated September 11, 1985. A toxicological examination of the pilot's blood revealed an alcohol level of 0.23% (230 mg/dL).