Accident Overview
The pilot of an agricultural aircraft reported that during low-altitude maneuvering while spraying, he noticed "some shuddering (stalling)" on multiple downwind passes. On the fourth attempt to spray a downwind line, he experienced "severe shuddering and loss of altitude." In response, he applied full power and jettisoned the entire load of aerial application product.
Pilot Actions
After dumping the load, the airplane was approximately 10 to 15 feet above the ground and still would not climb. The pilot continued to "pull back on the stick" and entered a right turn to avoid obstacles ahead. The airplane then "continued to [aerodynamically] stall until impact."
Aircraft Damage
The fuselage and both wings sustained substantial damage during the accident sequence.
Mechanical Status
The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Weather Conditions
An automated weather observation station located 18 nautical miles south of the accident site reported, around the time of the event, wind from 140° at 12 knots. The pilot indicated that the wind had "picked up to 20-25mph" and that the flight path was "nearly directly downwind at the time of impact."
Aircraft Equipment
The pilot noted that the airplane was not equipped with a stall warning device.