NTSB Factual Report

The commercial pilot of the tailwheel-equipped bi-plane was performing a local aerial application flight. During the flight, the lower left wing collided with a tree limb. The pilot elected to land in an open field to examine the damage sustained by the airplane. The operator concluded that the left lower wing had sustained structural damage and required replacement. The wing was replaced in the field and the airplane was flown back to the operator's facility. Neither the pilot nor the operator reported the accident to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) until after the repair had been made. Multiple attempts to obtain a completed Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1) from the operator were unsuccessful.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees while maneuvering during aerial application.