Incident Details
A pilot was flying down a river valley at approximately 800 ft above ground level (AGL) while he and his passengers surveyed potential timber cutting areas. The flight crossed a saddle in the mountains, which reduced ground clearance to about 300 ft. Suddenly, the pilot saw an unmarked high tension power line directly ahead. He initiated a diving left turn in an attempt to avoid the wire; however, the outboard right wing struck the wire.
Damage and Control
According to the pilot, the outboard right wing sustained a significant amount of damage. Control of the aircraft became difficult in the roll axis. Despite this, the pilot flew the aircraft to Ukaih, where a successful landing was made.
Power Line Configuration
The pilot reported that the power line crossed perpendicular to the valley. The line was suspended from towers located on top of ridges on opposite sides of the valley.