Incident Overview
An aircraft conducting an aerial application mission experienced a stall and subsequent impact with terrain after the pilot reported encountering "dead air" during a turn following the completion of a spray-run.
Pilot Account
According to the pilot, after evacuating the aircraft, it exploded and was consumed by a post-accident fire. The pilot also stated that weather conditions were becoming turbulent and that he should have terminated the aerial application flights earlier in the day.
Sequence of Events
The aircraft was performing an aerial application operation. After finishing a spray-run, the pilot initiated a turn. During this turn, the aircraft encountered "dead air," which the pilot reported led to a stall. The aircraft then struck the terrain. The pilot was able to exit the aircraft before it exploded and burned.
Weather Considerations
The pilot noted that the weather was becoming turbulent and acknowledged that it would have been prudent to cease operations earlier.