Royal, IA, USA
N6701Z
PIPER PA-25-235
The aerial application airplane, while spraying a field, descended into crops and sustained substantial damage on impact with the crops. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane reference the flight.
The pilot of the aerial application airplane stated that he was about 200 feet above ground level and was lined up about one-half mile from the field he was going to spray. He set a descent angle to clear powerlines. Approximately 30 feet above the crop he began to level off and engaged the spray handle. He said, "I felt the aircraft start to load the wings and then just give-way." The airplane descended into the crops and sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane reference the flight. His safety recommendation stated that if a shallower approach angle was used or if the level off maneuver was started higher, the accident may have been prevented.
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the crop during an aerial application maneuver.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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