19980328004499A

Acft was involved in aerial applic when it turned, clipped trees, crashed in field, burned, st jospeh, LA. (.4)following three uneventful aerial application flights, the pilot removed the biplane's cockpit side windows. While completing the first pass of the fourth flight, the pilot 'noticed the plane did not perform as it had previously.' As he turned the airplane to begin the second pass, it settled into the trees bordering the field being sprayed. While in the trees, the pilot advanced the propeller and throttle controls and made an unsuccessful attempt to dump his load of herbicide. Upon reaching the edge of the trees, the pilot 'nosed the aircraft over to land in a small field before hitting the wire across the road.' As he flared to land, the airplane impacted the road embankment. Subsequently, the airplane nosed over, came to a stop in the inverted position, and began to burn. The postcrash fire consumed the fuselage, empennage, and the upper and lower right wings. (-23) aircraft performing ag operations 15 miles west of st. Joseph, LA. Onapproach for second pass, aircraft apparently lost power, contacted trees, lost altitude, contacted shoulder of la hwy 573 and flipped over on its back, coming to rest approximately 70 feet from initial contact point. Pilot was able to exit aircraft prior to help arriving, complaining of sore back, and covered with herbicide. Aircraft caught fire and was totally destroyed. Witnesses reported hearing engine missing on second approach to field prior to crash, but there were no visual witnesses. Pilot has not been interviewed at this time due to injuries. Aircraft and pilot records not obtained at this time. Pilot was transported to lsu medical center shreveport, LA. Pilot sustained a broken neck and is scheduled for surgery on 03/30 am according to pilot's wife. Farmer assisted filling hopper and in refueling aircraft prior to flight. He stated that the aircraft had made three previous flights, and appeared to be operating properly.