Incident Overview
A pilot conducting a cable patrol and aerial observation mission collided with a tree, resulting in a crash and fire. The aircraft was a backup plane and lacked panel-mounted air-to-ground radios typically used for cable patrol reporting.
Sequence of Events
While patrolling the cable route, the pilot missed a turn and turned back to relocate it. After finding the route, he looked behind to observe a portion he had missed and noticed a logging operation. He turned again to get a better view of the activity, then began reporting its location using a hand-held radio. To obtain the proper frequency number, he diverted his attention to a sheet of paper in the right seat. When he looked up, he saw a large tree immediately before impact. The left wing of the aircraft struck the tree, and the aircraft crashed and burned.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a backup plane and did not have panel-mounted air-to-ground radios for cable patrol reporting, requiring the pilot to use a hand-held radio and refer to written notes for frequencies.