Incident Overview
A cargo flight encountered multiple hazards during a low-altitude operation. The pilot was flying the airplane at approximately 500 feet above ground level under an overcast sky when a flock of birds entered the aircraft's flight path. The pilot initiated evasive maneuvers to avoid a collision with the birds.
Sequence of Events
As the pilot attempted to return to normal flight after the evasive action, the airplane had become dangerously close to the surrounding terrain. Shortly thereafter, the vertical stabilizer made contact with a transmission wire that was strung across a shallow canyon. The collision caused the airplane to yaw violently, but the pilot managed to retain control of the aircraft.
Outcome
Despite the dramatic yawing motion, the pilot was able to maintain control of the airplane and proceeded to land at a nearby airport without further incident. No injuries or damage to the aircraft beyond the reported wire strike were detailed in the source.