Accident Sequence
The aircraft departed with full fuel and 150 gallons of herbicide for a local aerial application flight. The pilot performed three north-south spray runs. During the third turn from south to north, the aircraft contacted trees. The left wing separated, and the aircraft subsequently impacted the ground.
Witness Observation
A witness reported that during the third turn, he could hear the aircraft but could 'barely see the aircraft over the tree tops,' unlike during the previous two passes when it was more visible.
Pilot Background and Previous Incident
The pilot had successfully completed a professional agricultural pilot training course on May 5, 2000. The accident flight was the pilot's second revenue spray flight.
A friend of the accident pilot, who is also an agricultural pilot for the same operator, reported that on the evening of May 31, 2000—one day prior to the accident—the accident pilot stated that he had 'hit some trees on that day and had to pull the leaves out of the boom of the airplane.' The pilot also reported that 'he had the power lines licked, but seemed to have a problem clearing the tree tops.'