Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while maneuvering downwind during an agricultural application flight, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall at low altitude.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The pilot reported that, while maneuvering at low altitude during agricultural spraying, he noticed "some shuddering (stalling)" on multiple downwind low passes. He added that, on the 4th attempt to spray on a downwind line, he experienced "severe shuddering and loss of altitude," so he applied full power and dumped the entirety of the aerial application product. He further added that, after dumping the load, the airplane was about 10-15 ft. above ground and still would not climb. The pilot reported that, he continued to "pull back on the stick," entered a right turn to avoid obstacles ahead, and the airplane "continued to [aerodynamically] stall until impact."
The fuselage and both wings sustained substantial damage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
An automated weather observation station, about the time of the accident, 18 nautical miles south from the accident site, reported wind from 140° at 12 knots. The pilot reported that the wind had "picked up to 20-25mph" and the flight path was "nearly directly downwind at the time of impact."
The pilot reported that the airplane was not equipped with a stall warning device.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA17CA453