Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance during the agricultural application flight. Contributing to the accident was the wheat crop.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The airplane was substantially damaged when it descended into a wheat field during an agricultural spray operation. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident. He said that he was in a left turn executing a "clean-up" pass when the left spray boom contacted the crop resulting in the aiplane descending into the terrain.
Source record
Factual narrative
On August 2, 2007, about 1100 central daylight time, a Piper PA-25-235, N7263Z, operated by Dan's Crop Service, and piloted by a commercial pilot sustained substantial damage while maneuvering near Overly, North Dakota. The 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. No injuries were reported. The local flight originated about 10 minutes prior to the accident. The pilot reported that he was spraying his own wheat crop when the accident occurred. He stated that he had completed a pass and was executing a left turn when he decided to make a "clean-up" pass. During the turn, the left spray boom, which hung about 18 inches below the wing, contacted the crop resulting in the airplane continuing to turn and descend into the terrain. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident.