What happened
Prior to the accident, the pilot was on the ground surveying land intended for spraying. The aircraft was loaded with pesticide in preparation for an aerial application flight. After boarding, the pilot started and taxied the airplane without any noted issues.
The flight began with a takeoff to the east. The pilot leveled off at an altitude between 25 and 50 feet above the ground and initiated a steep bank turn to the left. While flying over a target field adjacent to the airstrip, the pilot continued to bank steeply toward the west. During this maneuver, the airplane experienced an aerodynamic stall and suddenly descended into terrain in a steep, nose-down attitude.
Witnesses at the scene reported no unusual engine noises prior to the impact. The area surrounding the airstrip is characterized by rising terrain.
The investigation
An examination of the engine, airframe, and aircraft systems revealed no evidence of mechanical deficiencies prior to the impact. However, investigators did find an issue with the seat restraint systems. The original equipment shoulder harness belt was severely deteriorated and failed during the impact. There was no evidence found to suggest pilot incapacitation.