Incident Overview
While maneuvering during an aerial application flight, the pilot reported that the airplane experienced a violent vibration. The pilot responded by leveling the wings, pitching the nose down, and adding power. The airplane then flew straight and level for approximately 1.5 miles.
Pilot Actions
As the pilot banked the airplane to the right to turn back into the wind, the airplane began descending. Despite adding more power, the descent continued. The pilot executed an emergency hopper dump and applied full power, but the airplane descended into a cotton field.
Impact Sequence
The right landing gear touched the ground, and the airplane began skidding across the field. After passing under power lines and across a highway, the airplane began to climb. Subsequently, the airplane impacted trees and came to rest in a near-vertical attitude against a tree.
Findings
The pilot did not report any mechanical anomalies with the aircraft.