Weatherly Aviation Co Inc 620A N4651W accident near Stewart, Minnesota

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from crops during an agricultural flight.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that he was spraying a corn field and had descended back toward the field to make his next application pass. During the pass, he underestimated the height of the corn and the airplane settled more than expected. The main landing gear struck the corn, the airplane veered to the left, and the airplane impacted the ground. The engine separated and the airplane continued to spin to the left before it came to rest upright. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN22LA340 for the full record.