Piper PA-36-375, VH-JJA, 15 km west of Moree, New South Wales, on 23 July 1990

Circumstances:

During a period of low operational activity, the pilot was contracted to spray a crop in open, flat terrain. Having almost completed the irregular shaped area, the pilot positioned his aircraft to make a run over a very small corner of the crop, towards a clump of trees, some of which were up to 25 metres high. The pilot mis-judged his turn onto the run alignment, necessitating a steep approach. Once settled at spray height, he was faced with a very steep climb-out to clear a large tree. During the pull-up, the aircraft stalled and collided with the tree. The nose pitched down, and the aircraft impacted the ground in a near vertical attitude, before rolling inverted. The pilot extinguished a small fire.

Significant Factors:

The following factors were considered relevant to the development of the accident:

1. The pilot attempted to spray an area which was only marginally suitable for aerial treatment.

2. The pilot mis-judged his approach to the area.

3. The aircraft stalled during the pull-up.

Recommendations:

The Civil Aviation Authority reassess recency requirements for agricultural pilots to place emphasis on hours flown during the preceding 90 days. This assessment should take into consideration the type of operation the pilot is to return to following an extended break, or period of very low operational intensity.