What happened
During an aerial application mission, the pilot experienced a sudden and uncommanded movement of the right wing. The wing initially moved upward before dropping sharply downward. This abrupt change in aerodynamic configuration caused the airplane to roll rapidly to the right. Unable to recover control, the aircraft collided with the terrain.
The investigation
Post-accident examination of the wreckage revealed a critical structural failure. The lift strut on the right wing was found broken. Detailed inspection of the fracture site showed clear evidence of corrosion along the break line. Furthermore, corrosion was noted throughout the airframe, indicating widespread degradation of the aircraft's structure.
Findings
The investigation determined that the primary factor in the accident was the structural failure of the right wing lift strut. The root cause of this failure was identified as corrosion. The presence of corrosion at the break point and throughout the airframe suggests that maintenance issues or environmental exposure contributed to the loss of structural integrity. This mechanical failure led directly to the loss of control and subsequent impact with the ground.