Accident
An airplane engaged in agricultural spray operations over cotton crops crashed after the engine reportedly stopped. A witness in a nearby residence heard the engine "cut off and then the crash right after," according to a statement.
Wreckage and Scene
The aircraft came to rest inverted at the edge of an open field bordered by a treeline. Examination revealed an approximately 8-inch area on the leading edge of the left wing, about 3 feet inboard of the wing tip, was crushed from the leading edge aft to the spar. The spar sustained damage, and the wing skin in the crushed area exhibited circular, accordion-type deformation.
A freshly broken tree limb, approximately 5 inches in diameter, was found on the ground between the treeline and the wreckage. A tree within the treeline had a fresh break about 60 feet above ground level and appeared to jut further into the field than adjacent trees.
Investigation
An FAA inspector responded to the scene and observed a series of slash-type ground scars in the dirt and grass along the debris path. Examination of the airframe and engine disclosed no evidence of mechanical malfunction. The propeller remained attached, and all blades showed twist deformation, s-shaped bending, chordwise scratches, and paint missing from the leading edge and camber side.
No determination of probable cause was provided in the investigation source.