Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the crops while maneuvering at low altitude.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that he was maneuvering at low altitude on an agricultural application flight when the right wing contacted the crops during a turn. He was unable to recover and subsequently impacted the terrain. The airplane was substantially damaged. He noted that he had lost track of the airplane's altitude as he was referencing some charts in an attempt to locate the correct field to be sprayed. He added that there were no failures or malfunctions with the airplane prior to the accident.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that he was maneuvering at low altitude on an agricultural application flight when the right wing contacted the crops during a turn. He was unable to recover and subsequently impacted the terrain. He noted that he had lost track of the airplane's altitude as he was referencing some charts in an attempt to locate the correct field to be sprayed. He added that there were no failures or malfunctions with the airplane prior to the accident.