What happened
The pilot of a 150 horsepower PA-18 had returned to an aerial application site after a stop to refuel and reload chemicals. During the refueling process, the pilot expressed concerns regarding the aircraft's performance capabilities due to the ambient temperature, which was between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and the operating altitude of approximately 3,000 feet MS/L.
To mitigate performance issues, the pilot opted for a reduced fuel load. He also indicated an intention to complete the field using two half-loads of chemicals rather than a single full load. While witnesses observed that the fuel tanks were only partially filled, it was not known if the chemical hopper had been filled to capacity or partially loaded.
After returning to the application site, the pilot completed one pass in a single direction. Witnesses did not observe the aircraft performing a return pass, but shortly after, black smoke was seen rising from the field. Upon arrival at the scene, witnesses located the aircraft where it had stall/mushed into rapidly rising terrain. The impact occurred at a location where the pilot would have been attempting a course reversal just beyond the end of the field.