Accident Summary
An aerial application airplane was destroyed after impacting an embankment, sliding for about 100 feet, and nosing over. A post-crash fire subsequently engulfed the wreckage.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that while maneuvering in a left turn at the destination field, he became aware that the airplane would not be able to climb over transmission lines in its flight path. To avoid the lines, he lowered the nose with the intention of flying under them; however, the airspeed was still too low to maintain controlled flight. The airplane then struck an embankment, slid across the ground for approximately 100 feet, and nosed over.
The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.
Weather and Density Altitude
An automated weather observation station located 10 nautical miles north of the accident site, reporting about 5 minutes before the accident, indicated calm wind, temperature 102°F (39°C), dewpoint 43°F (6°C), and a barometric pressure of 29.77 inHg. The calculated density altitude at the time was 8,200 feet.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration Koch Chart, given the surrounding temperature and field elevation, the airplane would have likely experienced a 65% decrease in its normal climb rate.