20040811028079A

(-23) The pilot of the single place aircraft began a descent over a barn, house and trees to apply chemical to a field of sunflowers. The field being approached was down an incline approximately 100 feet below the house and barn. As the pilot would have started a "flare" maneuver to level flight and begin the chemical application, he struck the top 2/3RDS of an old iron farm windmill. The aircraft's propeller struck the windmill fan blades and pump drive mechanism and as it continued, it struck the heavy cast iron mechanism at the aircraft's right wing attach area. The right wing and main landing gear separated from the aircraft at this point. As the aircraft continued its descent, it became inverted and struck the ground approximately 200 feet beyond the impact point with the windmill. The aircraft then slid, inverted, another 200 feet. The aircraft was destroyed, but no fire ensued. The pilot was fatally injured. Witnesses indicate the windmill fan blades were stationary and aligned with the aircraft's flight path. This would have reduced their visibility. The aircraft was being operated in accordance with the requirements of 14 CFR part 137.