Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot failed to maintain clearance with trees. Factors associated with the accident were the trees and the pilot's diverted attention.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that he was spraying a field and was having a problem with the automatic flagger. He had completed a pass and pulled up when he noticed something different about the flagger. He reported his attention was diverted from flying and he failed to clear trees. The airplane contacted the tops of the trees. Control of the airplane was lost and it impacted in a field. The airplane caught fire shortly after impact and burned.
Source record
Factual narrative
On July 28, 1995, at 0800 central daylight time, a Piper PA- 25-235, was destroyed by fire after it impacted with trees and subsequently hit the ground. The commercial pilot reported no injury. The 14 CFR Part 137 flight departed a private airstrip near Oklee, Minnesota, on a local flight. Visual meteorlogical conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The pilot reported that he was spraying a field and was having a problem with the automatic flagger. He had completed a pass and had pulled up when he noticed something different about the flagger. He reported his attention was diverted from flying and he failed to clear some trees. He clipped the tops of the trees, lost control of the airplane and impacted in a field. The airplane caught fire shortly after impact and burned. -