What happened
The incident occurred during an agricultural spraying mission. Prior to initiating the primary swath runs, the pilot flew over the target area to assess conditions. During the first run, the aircraft passed over wires located at the end of the field without issue.
On the return swath run, the pilot attempted to fly underneath these wires. While maneuvering to pass under them, the aircraft struck a newly installed lower wire with its vertical stabilizer. The impact caused the aircraft to crash immediately following the contact.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanics of the collision and the flight path taken by the pilot. Examination confirmed that the vertical stabilizer made contact with a wire that had been recently installed in the area. No other mechanical failures were identified as contributing factors to the loss of control or the crash itself.
Findings
The primary factor leading to the accident was the collision with the obstacle during low-altitude flight. The pilot's decision to fly under the wires, combined with the presence of a newly installed lower wire that may not have been adequately visible or accounted for in the pre-flight assessment, resulted in the structural damage and subsequent crash.
Safety message
Pilots conducting agricultural operations must ensure that all overhead obstacles, including newly installed infrastructure such as wires, are clearly identified and avoided. Pre-flight reconnaissance should include a thorough check for any changes in the terrain or installation of new hazards since previous flights.