Incident Overview
The accident occurred while the pilot was nearly finished spraying a 33-acre corn field with the herbicide 'Lightning'. The aircraft was discovered burning in a field adjacent to the sprayed area, on an approach path. No witnesses were present. The sheriff reported that the wind was calm at the time.
Pilot Medical History
The pilot had been receiving treatment for Reiter's Syndrome for the previous three years. The condition was reportedly under control with prescribed medication. Toxicological tests performed after the accident disclosed no evidence of alcohol, drugs, cyanide, or carbon monoxide.
Subsequent Findings
Approximately one week after the accident, the farmer reported finding two distinct areas of stunted and discolored corn located at opposite ends of the field that had been sprayed. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) was not informed of this finding until four months after the accident. Soil sample tests conducted on the field revealed a trace amount of oil and grease.