What happened
The pilot departed from an airstrip carrying 57 gallons of Fyfan and non, a chemical used for boll weevil control. Following a series of spray runs, the aircraft veered off its intended course and collided with a tree line. The impact caused the aircraft to hit the ground and subsequently catch fire. The wreckage was recovered one and a half miles northwest of the location where the final signal from the onboard navigation system was recorded.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft's Differential Global Position System (DGPS), which is mounted on a shelf behind the pilot's seat near the shoulder harness attachment. Maintenance records indicated that this DGPS unit had undergone service twice during the week preceding the accident. Under the terms of the spraying contract, the operational status of the DGPS was required for the flight. Data downloaded from the DGPS revealed that the loss of signal lock occurred shortly after the pilot completed a right turn on the southeast side of the field.