Accident Details
The pilot of an agricultural spray airplane reported that a spray nozzle was leaking. To address the issue, the pilot conducted multiple test flights over a nearby field while the head of the ground crew remained on the ground to monitor the leak. The pilot would land on a grass airstrip, adjust the nozzle, depart for another visual check, and repeat as necessary.
Sequence of Events
Following the tests and adjustments, the ground personnel informed the pilot that the nozzle was no longer leaking. The pilot then returned to land. During the landing roll, the pilot did not see the ground personnel visually check the runway before crossing it on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) in front of the airplane. The pilot immediately veered the airplane to the right and sped up to avoid striking the ground personnel with the propeller. The left wing struck the ATV and the ground personnel.
Damage and Injuries
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing leading edge. The ground personnel received minor injuries. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.