Accident Overview
A restricted-category agricultural aircraft crashed during a ferry flight from Missouri to Idaho. The accident occurred after the pilot encountered low ceilings, reduced visibility, and snow, and subsequently entered instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). The aircraft was not equipped for IMC flight.
Flight Details
The accident airplane was one of three agricultural aircraft flying in formation on a day-VFR cross-country ferry flight. The pilots were preparing for a season of agricultural spraying. During the final leg, they encountered a localized area of low ceilings, reduced visibility, and snow and began following an interstate highway.
Weather Conditions
Localized low ceilings, reduced visibility, and snow were present during the flight. One pilot reversed course and landed uneventfully at an airport. Another pilot landed on the highway. The accident pilot strayed away from the interstate and entered IMC.
Accident Sequence
After entering IMC, the accident airplane entered a steep descent and crashed in a nose-down attitude. Evidence indicated the engine was operating at a high power setting at the time of impact.
Investigation Findings
No preimpact mechanical malfunction or failure of the airplane or its engine was found. The aircraft was not equipped for flight into IMC.