Accident Overview
During an agricultural dusting operation, a pilot observed a grape vineyard and formulated a plan to begin work the following day. While surveying the area, the pilot noted the presence of power lines suspended across the vineyard. However, the pilot did not notice an anchor wire located beneath those power lines. The anchor wire extended approximately 600 feet from a tower on a hill to a pole within the vineyard.
Sequence of Events
During a swath run under the power lines, the aircraft struck the anchor wire. Following the impact, the aircraft crashed and burned. The pilot reported that the fire likely began when sulfur dust spilled onto the engine exhaust manifold.
Fire Origin
The pilot believed that the fire originated when sulfur dust, used in the agricultural operation, came into contact with the hot exhaust manifold of the aircraft's engine. This resulted in a fire that consumed the aircraft after the crash.
(Note: No further details about the aircraft, registration, injuries, or environmental conditions are available from the source.)