What happened
The pilot was operating an aircraft at low altitude to distribute beneficial insects across a field of vines. During this agricultural operation, the pilot noted that Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) had recently installed a guy wire since the previous visit to the site. The flight was conducted into the early morning rising sun, which likely contributed to visibility challenges. While flying toward the sun, the airplane collided with the wire across the windshield.
The investigation
The impact caused damage to the front of the aircraft, specifically affecting the windshield area where the collision occurred. No further mechanical examination details were provided in the source material regarding the extent of internal structural damage or engine performance post-impact.
Findings
The primary contributing factor was the presence of an unmarked guy wire installed by PG&E in the flight path. The pilot was flying into the early morning rising sun, which may have obscured the visibility of the thin wire against the bright sky. The low altitude required for the agricultural task increased the risk of collision with such obstacles.
Safety message
Pilots conducting low-altitude operations should be aware that utility companies may install guy wires or other obstructions without adequate marking or lighting, especially in rural or agricultural areas. Visual scanning techniques must be adapted to account for glare from the sun and the potential invisibility of thin cables.