Trumann, AR, USA
N802DL
AIR TRACTOR INC AT 802
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that he departed his private field for an agricultural application flight and flew northwest about 5 miles. He added that, as he approached the field that he had intended to spray, the visibility rapidly decreased. He began a 180° turn, but the visibility decreased to zero, and the airplane subsequently impacted the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage. 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 system about 13 nautical miles from the accident site reported that, about 11 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 180° at 5 knots, and the cloud celling was overcast at 300 ft.
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that he departed his private field for an aerial application flight, and flew northwest about 5 miles. He added that, as he approached the field that he had intended to spray, the visibility rapidly decreased. He began a 180o turn but the visibility decreased to zero, and the airplane subsequently impacted the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage. 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 system about 13 nautical miles from the accident site reported, about 11 minutes prior to the accident, the wind was from 180° at 5 knots, the cloud celling was overcast at 300 ft.
The pilot’s improper decision to continue flight in deteriorating weather conditions, which resulted in collision with the ground.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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