Overview
An accident occurred while a pilot was conducting aerial application (crop spraying) operations over a short field. The field had wooded areas on both its north and south ends. The pilot had begun flying aerial application flights only a couple of weeks prior to the accident.
Accident Sequence
Data retrieved from the onboard global positioning system (GPS) unit indicated that the airplane was heading north before entering a right turn to the south, occurring just prior to impact with trees. The initial tree strike took place at the edge of a heavily wooded area adjacent to the field being sprayed. Following the initial impact, the airplane continued into the wooded area, contacting trees up to 12 inches in diameter before coming to rest inverted.
Aircraft Damage
Along the impact trail, clean, freshly cut branches were found, consistent with the airplane's path through the trees. The airplane sustained damage from contact with multiple trees and ended up inverted.
Pilot Experience
The pilot had begun performing aerial application flights approximately two weeks before the accident occurred. No further details regarding the pilot's total flight experience or specific training were provided in the source.
Probable Cause
The source did not state a probable cause for the accident.