Introduction
A pilot operating a Cessna 188 for agricultural spraying reported that the aircraft settled into terrain after encountering unexpected air conditions during a swath run. The incident occurred while the pilot was spraying a field.
Flight Details
The pilot had followed another heavily loaded Cessna 188 out to the field intended for spraying. The pilot was unaware of the other airplane's flight path, as it had departed the area upon reaching the field. The pilot made one swath run from south to north along the eastern edge of the field, then performed a 270-degree turn to line up for the second swath run.
Accident Sequence
The second swath run was oriented from east to west along the north side of the field. After leveling off approximately four feet above the field, the airplane suddenly encountered 'bad air.' According to the pilot, at that point the aircraft settled and impacted the terrain. The pilot later discovered that the second swath run was perpendicular to the flight path of the other Cessna 188.
Aftermath
The pilot reported the incident but no further details regarding injuries, damage, or other consequences are provided in the source.