Sequence of Events
According to witness statements, the agricultural sprayer aircraft approached the landing strip from the north, turned westward, and then southward, apparently entering the landing pattern. At about the midfield position at approximately 350 feet above ground level (agl) on a downwind leg, the aircraft pitched up an additional 200 to 300 feet with no increase of power, although the engine sounded steady and normal. At the top of the climb, the aircraft went into a bank, the nose dropped through vertically toward the ground, and the aircraft impacted the terrain in a steep diving attitude.
Pre-Crash Examination
FAA inspectors examined the engine, its controls, and all components and reported they appeared operational prior to the crash. Flight control continuity could only be confirmed from each control surface to a point 3 feet behind the cockpit because of impact damage. No part of the airframe was missing at the crash site.
Aircraft and Pilot Activity
Eradication Foundation reports revealed that the aircraft and pilot flew six trips for a total of 7.6 hours, applying 183 gallons of malathion on 2,131 acres prior to the accident. Autopsy and toxicological findings revealed nothing causal.