Accident Overview
A commercial agricultural aircraft was beginning a spray run over a new field. During the first pass, the aircraft struck power line wires. After striking the wires, the aircraft rolled to the left and impacted the ground in a wings-level, nose-low attitude. A post-crash fire immediately destroyed the aircraft. The pilot was fatally injured.
Pilot Familiarity and Field Selection
The pilot was familiar with the local area. However, investigation found no evidence that the pilot had surveyed the specific field before starting operations. Witness statements indicated that the decision to begin work on the new field was made solely because the pilot had enough chemical left for approximately two more passes.
Attempt to Avoid Wires and Witness Statements
Witnesses reported that the aircraft pulled up in an attempt to avoid the wires, but the attempt was unsuccessful. One witness stated that the impact with the wires damaged the left wing main struts, resulting in the failure of both left wings before the aircraft struck the ground. The aircraft was performing an agricultural spraying operation when the accident occurred. The pilot was the sole occupant and sustained fatal injuries. The fire that followed the crash consumed the aircraft completely.