Accident Details
An agricultural airplane engaged in herbicide spraying over a rice field experienced a collision with a levee after the windshield became obscured by chemical residue. According to the pilot, after completing six passes over the field, drifting chemicals had accumulated on the windshield, significantly reducing visibility.
The pilot reported using the airplane's window washer in an attempt to clear the windshield, but the washer proved ineffective. On the subsequent pass, while traveling from west to east into the rising sun, the main landing gear of the aircraft struck a rice levee.
Damage and Aftermath
The impact caused damage to the propeller and tore off the landing gear. Following the collision, the engine lost power. The pilot then executed a landing on a vacant field located across the road from the field being sprayed. The airplane came to rest in an upright position.