Accident Overview
A pilot conducting aerial spraying operations over an orchard was involved in an accident during the final pass of the mission. According to the pilot, he had completed 12 passes and was maneuvering for the last pass. While attempting to reverse direction, the aircraft struck trees and the ground.
Pilot Account
The pilot reported that he was heading in an easterly direction and entered an agricultural turn (ag turn) to head west. He stated that while the aircraft was still in the turn and facing westward, it hit trees and the ground. No further details regarding the aircraft type, registration, or environmental conditions were provided.
FAA Findings
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the pilot did not maintain an airspeed of 80 miles per hour during the turn. This failure resulted in the airplane stalling. The FAA's conclusion identifies the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed as the direct cause of the stall and subsequent collision with terrain.