Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from vegetation that caused increased drag during a low-level maneuvering flight.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
According to the pilot, he was spraying a corn field at a low altitude. He said that the airplane spray booms contacted the corn and the corn debris accumulated on the boom. He performed a forced landing to a field after the airplane was unable to maintain airspeed and altitude due to the increase in drag. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and wings. The pilot reported no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot stated that during the aerial application of a corn field, the airplane altitude became too low. The airplane spray booms contacted the corn and the accumulation of the corn debris on the boom increased drag. The pilot performed a forced landing to a field after the airplane was unable to maintain airspeed and altitude due to the drag increase. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and wings.