Incident Overview
An aerial application pilot was conducting a spraying operation when the airplane sustained substantial damage after descending into crops. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, reported no injuries. The accident occurred while the pilot was preparing to spray a field.
Flight Details
According to the pilot, the airplane was approximately 200 feet above ground level (AGL) and lined up about half a mile from the field intended for spraying. The pilot set a descent angle to clear powerlines. When the airplane was about 30 feet above the crop, the pilot began to level off and engaged the spray handle.
Pilot's Account
The pilot stated, "I felt the aircraft start to load the wings and then just give-way." Following this sensation, the airplane descended into the crops, resulting in substantial damage. The pilot explicitly reported no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane related to the flight.
Safety Recommendation
In his account, the pilot offered a safety recommendation suggesting that if a shallower approach angle had been used, or if the level-off maneuver had been started at a higher altitude, the accident may have been prevented.