NTSB Factual Report

On June 7, 2004, at 1035 mountain daylight time, an Eagle DW-1, N8805D, was destroyed when it impacted terrain while maneuvering near Circleville, Utah. The commercial certificated pilot, the sole occupant on board, received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. No flight plan had been filed for the local aerial application flight being conducted under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 137. The flight originated at Junction, Utah, at approximately 1015.

The pilot stated that he was applying pesticide to a 100-acre alfalfa field. He said that he started on the north end of the field and began working to the south, and completing half of the field while flying in a "racetrack" pattern from west to east. He said the winds were from the southwest at approximately 7 knots. Because of the rising terrain to the east of the field, he decided to complete the pesticide application while flying in both directions.

The pilot stated that during a "right standard reversal turn," the airplane encountered "extreme turbulence" which caused the airplane to roll to the right. The pilot stated that he added full power and pointed the nose down to regain control. Although the pilot was able to get the wings level, the buffeting and turbulence was so "severe," that the airplane did not respond and continued to "sink rapidly." As the pilot attempted to release the remaining pesticide, the airplane's lower left wing struck the rough and uneven terrain and the airplane cartwheeled. The airplane was destroyed by a postimpact fire.

NTSB Probable Cause

the encounter with severe turbulence during aerial application and the pilot's inability to maintain aircraft control resulting in the in-flight collision with terrain. A contributing factor was the low altitude.