Loss of Control During Turnaround in Agricultural Operation (N9856P)

Accident Description

The pilot reported that he was performing a left turnaround to begin a swath run. During the maneuver, the aircraft slowed while in a steep left bank at the highest part of the turn. The pilot stated that he was unable to raise the left wing as the aircraft approached the ground. Subsequently, the left wing and main landing gear struck the ground, and the aircraft slid sideways before coming to rest.

Pilot Statement

During a telephone interview on the day after the accident, the pilot stated that there was no problem with the aircraft; he said he just got too slow in the turn. In his written report, the pilot indicated that he was making the turnaround into a 6 to 8 knot wind and thought the wind might have quit while he was in the turn.