What happened
The aircraft was engaged in an aerial application operation when it collided with telephone lines during a spray run. According to reports from the pilot's son, the aircraft was in the process of pulling up at the end of the pass when contact with the wires occurred.
Although most utility lines in the surrounding area were buried underground, the specific section of the field where the incident took place featured overhead lines supported by poles. The wires struck by the aircraft were located approximately 20 feet above ground level and consisted of four armored cables. These cables are constructed to be highly durable and did not break upon impact; however, the force of the collision caused several of the supporting poles to snap off.
Following the wire strike, the aircraft descended and impacted the ground. Upon impact, the aircraft rotated 165 degrees from its original heading. The pilot managed to crawl out of the wreckage independently. Rescue personnel located the pilot approximately half an hour after the accident occurred.
The investigation
Investigators examined the scene to determine the nature of the collision and the condition of the infrastructure involved. The primary focus was on the utility lines that were struck, which were identified as four armored cables suspended from poles at the end of the field. The investigation confirmed that while the cables remained intact due to their strength, the structural integrity of the poles was compromised by the impact.
Findings
The accident sequence was initiated by the aircraft striking overhead utility lines during a low-altitude maneuver. The presence of these specific wires at the end of the field, contrary to the general underground configuration in the area, played a critical role in the event. The pilot's ability to exit the wreckage suggests that the impact forces, while sufficient to damage infrastructure and cause a hard landing, did not completely immobilize the cockpit structure immediately.
Safety message
Pilots conducting aerial application or low-level flight operations should be aware that utility lines may exist in areas where they are not typically expected, such as at field boundaries. Overhead wires can be difficult to see against the sky or terrain, especially during maneuvers like pull-ups at the end of a run. Extra vigilance is required when operating near agricultural fields or rural areas with mixed underground and overhead infrastructure.