Incident Overview
A pilot conducting a power line patrol mission, accompanied by an observer, encountered a wind from the west at approximately 20 knots. The aircraft was flying east along a line that made a 90-degree turn to the north.
Sequence of Events
Upon reaching the turn, the pilot initiated a 270-degree right turn to follow the line northward. About halfway through the maneuver, he observed that continuing the turn would bring the aircraft over a farmyard containing cattle. To avoid this, he reversed the turn direction to the left, back toward the east.
As the pilot rolled out of the left turn while descending, the aircraft stalled. He attempted to recover but there was insufficient altitude, and the plane crashed.
Investigation Findings
The investigation did not specify a probable cause. The report documented the pilot's account of the wind conditions, the turn reversal to avoid a farmyard and cattle, the stall during roll-out, and the unsuccessful recovery attempt due to low altitude.