Accident Sequence
The commercial rated pilot was operating a bi-wing agricultural airplane. He reported that he had descended along a line of approximately 100-foot-tall trees and entered a swath path that was about 3-4 feet high above a rice crop. The normal operating height for the airplane above this particular crop was typically 8 to 12 feet. As the pilot attempted to climb to a higher altitude, a wind gust pushed the airplane from the right and off its swath path.
Instead of first adjusting for the low altitude, the pilot attempted to realign the airplane back onto the swath path by applying right rudder and slight back pressure on the control stick. This application of right rudder reduced lift, causing the airplane to descend further. As a result, the airplane's right main wheel struck a levy. The impact caused the airplane to flip over three times before it came to rest in a near vertical position.
Damage
Examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage. The engine was torn from its mounts, and the empennage and tail section separated from the airframe. The specific extent of other structural damage was not detailed in the report.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that there were no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane prior to the accident. No further information was provided regarding the pilot's actions or other potential factors.