Incident Overview
An agricultural pilot was conducting an aerial application flight from a field. After completing two successful passes, the pilot approached a static wire located approximately 100 feet above ground level. After clearing the wire, the pilot initiated a descent toward the crop surface and attempted to level the airplane. However, the pilot could not arrest the descent in time, and the airplane's landing gear made contact with the crop.
Landing Gear Separation and Ground Impact
The contact with the crop resulted in the separation of the right main landing gear from the fuselage. Shortly after the gear separation, the airplane impacted the ground and slid to a stop in an upright position. The accident sequence caused substantial damage to the fuselage and left wing.
Mechanical Condition
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. No other factors were identified in the report.