Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain airspeed (vs) while maneuvering resulting in a stall/mush.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The commercial pilot had just completed an aerial application spray run to the south, and was maneuvering back towards the west beginning to level out at about 100 feet agl, when the airplane felt mushy and started to settle into the trees. The chemical load was jettisoned and full power was applied; however, the airplane collided with trees and crashed. Review of the pilots operating handbook indicates the power off stall speed to be 60 mph. The pilot stated his airspeed at the time of collision with the trees was estimated to be about 60 to 65 ias.
Source record
Factual narrative
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