What happened
The incident occurred while the pilot was conducting aerial application operations. During this phase of flight, the pilot attempted to navigate underneath a set of electrical power lines. As the aircraft passed under the wires, the right wing made contact with a static line.
Following the initial wire contact, the structural integrity of the right wing was compromised. The right wing strut collapsed under the stress of the impact. This failure caused the right wing to fold upward abruptly. The sudden loss of lift on the right side resulted in the airplane rolling to the left.
After the roll, the aircraft climbed to approximately 200 feet above ground level. From this altitude, the airplane entered a near-vertical descent. It then impacted the ground with significant force.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical condition of the aircraft following the collision with the power line. Examination revealed that the contact with the static line was the primary cause of the structural failure. The right wing strut collapsed, leading to the upward folding of the right wing. This sequence of events directly led to the loss of control and the subsequent impact.
Findings
The critical factor in this accident was the contact with a static wire during low-level flight operations. The pilot's attempt to fly under electrical power lines resulted in the wing striking the wire. This contact caused the right wing strut collapse, which initiated the chain of events leading to the crash. The aircraft rolled left and climbed before descending vertically into the ground.
Safety message
Pilots conducting aerial application operations must maintain strict awareness of overhead obstacles, particularly electrical power lines and static wires. Flying under such infrastructure poses a significant risk of wing strike and structural failure. Adequate clearance should always be maintained to prevent contact with overhead utilities during low-altitude maneuvers.