The Accident
The airplane was destroyed upon impact with a tree and terrain while performing an aerial application maneuver near the field where it came to rest. A post-impact fire ensued. The pilot was fatally injured.
Weather Conditions
At the time of the accident, visibility was 10 statute miles. The sky condition was few clouds at 2,300 feet and broken clouds at 3,600 feet.
Witness Statements
According to a witness interview, the pilot was consistently flying under high-voltage power lines located on the west end of the field.
On-Scene Examination
Examination of the accident site revealed that the tree struck by the aircraft was approximately 40 yards west of the high-voltage power lines. Damage to the tree began at a height of about 40 to 45 feet from the ground. Many tree branches were found both at the crash site and directly under the tree. Additional branches were located along the aircraft's path after it contacted the tree. Some of these branches measured up to six inches in diameter and exhibited signs of propeller strikes.
Crop Damage
Review of aerial photographs showed that corn crop crush damage was limited to the immediate outline of the airplane.