Light aircraft collides with static wire over river, fuel fire on landing (N18355)

What happened

The aircraft was operating along a river corridor when it collided with a static wire. The incident occurred at an altitude of approximately 350 feet above ground level, located about five miles northeast of the airport. Upon impact, the left wing struck the wire, which cut into the structure and penetrated a fuel cell. Fuel escaped from the damaged compartment as the aircraft continued to the airport.

Upon landing at the airport, the leaked fuel ignited, resulting in a fire. Airport fire fighters responded to the scene and extinguished the blaze. The pilot stated that he did not see the static wires until just before the collision occurred.

Findings

• The aircraft sustained structural damage to the left wing from the wire impact.
• Fuel exhaustion was not the primary cause, but fuel leakage led to a post-crash fire.
• The pilot reported inadequate visual acquisition of the hazard prior to impact.