What happened
A fatal accident occurred involving an aircraft engaged in agricultural operations. The pilot was conducting an aerial application flight, commonly known as crop dusting, over a field. During this operation, the airplane collided with a windmill that stood approximately 25 feet tall. The impact resulted in the complete destruction of the aircraft and caused fatal injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
Following the incident, investigators examined the airplane and its various systems to determine if any mechanical failures contributed to the event. The examination revealed no anomalies with respect to the airplane or its systems. This finding indicated that the aircraft was mechanically sound at the time of the accident.
Findings
The investigation noted that the pilot had previously sprayed the specific field where the accident occurred. This history suggested familiarity with the area, yet the collision still took place. The primary factor in the accident was the impact with the stationary structure.