Tailwheel Airplane Impacts Ground After Loss of Visibility During Aerial Application Flight

Accident Details

The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that he departed his private field for an aerial application flight. After flying northwest for about 5 miles, he approached the field he intended to spray when visibility rapidly decreased. He initiated a 180-degree turn, but visibility dropped to zero, and the airplane subsequently impacted the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Weather Information

An automated weather observation system located approximately 13 nautical miles from the accident site reported, about 11 minutes prior to the accident, wind from 180° at 5 knots and an overcast cloud ceiling at 300 ft.