Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from an irrigation vent pipe.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that he was making a low aerial application pass over a field, dispensing smoke to determine wind direction and velocity. The airplane struck a 20-foot-high irrigation vent pipe, which was located in the field that he was working. He proceeded straight ahead and attempted a forced landing on a dirt road immediately next to the field because the engine was losing power. Upon touching down, the right main wheel encountered soft dirt and the airplane nosed over inverted, bending the engine mount and wrinkling the fuselage and vertical stabilizer.
Source record
Factual narrative
The aerial application pilot stated that he was making a low pass over a field, dispensing smoke, to determine wind direction and velocity. The airplane struck a 20-foot-high irrigation vent pipe, which was located in the field that he was working. He proceeded straight ahead and attempted a forced landing on a dirt road immediately next to the field because the engine was losing power. Upon touching down, the right main wheel got into some soft dirt and the airplane nosed over inverted. The engine mount was bent, and the fuselage and vertical stabilizer were wrinkled.