Incident Details
The pilot stated that while flying approximately 100 feet above the ground, with higher terrain on both sides of the aircraft, he heard something strike the aircraft. He indicated that neither he nor his passenger had seen any obstacles that may have hit the plane. The pilot then returned directly to Laurel, Montana, and landed without further incident.
Damage Inspection
Post-flight inspection of the aircraft revealed an 8-inch-deep gash into the vertical stabilizer, from the leading edge straight back into the stabilizer. Additionally, a radio antenna on the top of the aircraft was found broken back at its base.
Pilot's Account
In his accident report, the pilot stated his opinion that, based on the nature of the damage, it was a wire strike that occurred. He believed that the accident was a result of a failure on his part to maintain sufficient altitude.