What happened
The accident occurred while a Cessna Ag Wagon, registered as N731SH, was engaged in agricultural operations. The aircraft was performing a crop spraying mission, which involved flying at low altitudes to distribute chemicals over fields.
During the operation, the pilot initiated a climbing turn. While executing this maneuver, the aircraft struck an electrical power line. The impact caused the aircraft to lose control and plummet to the ground. Upon impact with the terrain, the aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The investigation
Investigation of the accident focused on the circumstances surrounding the collision with the utility infrastructure. Examination of the flight path and witness observations confirmed that the aircraft was in a climbing turn at the time of the incident.
The primary factor identified was the pilot's visual environment. It was determined that the pilot was climbing directly into the sun during the maneuver. This positioning significantly interfered with his ability to see the electrical power line, preventing him from avoiding the collision.
Findings
The investigation concluded that the accident was caused by the pilot's failure to maintain visual contact with obstacles due to glare. The specific contributing factor was:
- Climbing into the sun, which obscured the view of the power line
This lack of visibility led directly to the collision with the electrical infrastructure, resulting in the loss of control and subsequent crash.
Safety message
Pilots conducting low-level agricultural operations must remain vigilant regarding environmental conditions that affect visibility. Climbing toward bright light sources, such as the sun, can severely impair the ability to detect overhead hazards like power lines. Proper planning of flight paths to avoid direct glare is essential for safety during crop dusting missions.