Accident Overview
An aircraft struck and severed three power lines approximately 3 miles south of the departure airport. Prior to the accident, the aircraft was observed flying at low altitude in the vicinity.
Pilot Account
The pilot stated that he flew by a mobile home park to verify that a trailer had been moved. He reported that the engine was not developing full power when he departed the mobile home area. During climb-out, he encountered turbulence and a downdraft. He then struck the lines. According to the pilot, the aircraft had sufficient power to fly through and sever the 12kV lines, which were about half an inch in diameter. After striking the lines, the aircraft climbed to a sufficiently high altitude to fly back to the airport and land.
Aircraft Damage
The impact and subsequent severing of the power lines caused extensive damage to the aircraft. The entire engine cowling was torn loose from the edge of the firewall attach points. The propeller tips were bent forward approximately 3 inches. Structural damage included the shearing of three of the four left wing strut attach rivets at the wing attach point. Additionally, electric arc burn spots were found on the propeller and left wing skin, indicating electrical arcing during the contact.
The aircraft was able to return to the departure airport and land despite the damage.