Incident Overview
During daytime agricultural operations, the pilot of an agricultural aircraft lost outside visual references due to dense smoke emanating from the chemical hopper. In response, the pilot elected to perform a forced landing on an adjacent runway.
Wire Strike and Landing
During the approach to the runway, the airplane struck a set of electrical transmission wires. After touching down, the hopper erupted into fire. The pilot then abruptly maneuvered the airplane off the runway.
Ground Maneuver and Fire
During the abrupt ground maneuver, the right main landing gear broke off. The loss of the landing gear caused the fuel cell to rupture and ignite. The resulting fire consumed the airplane.
Outcome
The aircraft was completely destroyed by fire.