What happened
During a period of training prior to employment at an agricultural application service, the pilot was performing ten practice application passes. The operator of the aircraft witnessed the takeoff, but noted that instead of turning east as intended, the pilot turned toward the west.
The aircraft was flying approximately 500 feet above ground level when it suddenly banked hard and appeared to descend straight down. This maneuver occurred while the pilot was attempting to avoid a transmission tower located about 1,000 feet south of the accident site. The Cessna (type not specified in source) sustained substantial damage during the impact with the terrain, and the pilot suffered 1 fatal injury.
The investigation
A post-accident examination established that flight control continuity was maintained from the control surfaces to the cabin area.
Findings
The accident occurred when the aircraft inadvertently stalled and entered a spin while maneuvering to avoid an obstacle.