Incident Overview
According to reports, the pilot departed the airport with the intention of accumulating flight time on an overhauled engine. Shortly after takeoff, the airport manager reported that the pilot called on the UNICOM frequency, stating that the engine and aircraft "worked like new" and that he was completely satisfied with everything.
Witness Accounts
Multiple witnesses reported that the aircraft circled the area of the accident site at an extremely low altitude just prior to the accident. The wire strike occurred near the home of a friend of the pilot.
Accident Sequence
The accident occurred when the left wing of the aircraft struck a powerline. Approximately 5 feet of the wing separated, and the plane subsequently impacted in a farm field on rolling terrain. No further details about the aircraft or pilot were provided in the initial report.