What happened
The pilot was engaged in an agricultural spraying operation over a field bordered by two power lines at its northern edge. The aircraft had been conducting low-level passes beneath the utility cables. However, in sections where the support poles were positioned too closely together, the pilot elected to fly over the wires rather than pass underneath.
After completing a procedure turn to return toward the target area, the pilot reduced engine power while crossing over the power lines and began to descend. The pilot then reapplied power in an attempt to maintain altitude or climb out of the situation. However, the pilot reported that the maneuver was initiated too late to prevent contact with the ground.
The aircraft struck the terrain in a three-point attitude. Upon impact, the belly tank separated from the airframe and folded underneath the aft section. This event caused damage to two longerons located forward of the tail section. Despite the collision, the pilot retained control of the aircraft and was able to continue flying. The pilot subsequently landed without further incident. An inspection revealed that the tips of both propeller blades were chipped due to the impact.