Aerial Application Aircraft Stalls During Course Reversal, Impacts Ground Near Runway (N5618G)

Incident Overview

The pilot of an aerial application aircraft was returning to the airport from a spraying flight to refuel and reload chemicals. Ground witnesses reported that the aircraft flew over the runway from west to east at an extremely low altitude. Upon reaching the downwind runway threshold, the airplane climbed steeply and stalled during the turn to reverse course for landing. It entered a steep descent before completing the course reversal and impacted the ground approximately 1/8 mile from the runway.

Investigation Findings

Toxicological testing conducted after the accident did not reveal any evidence of pilot impairment. Subsequent examinations of the aircraft found no flight control or engine power discrepancies. The investigation did not identify any mechanical or physiological factors that may have contributed to the stall and subsequent impact.