What happened
A witness observed an airplane performing a low pass to the west, positioned approximately 1/4-mile north of his location. The aircraft returned for a second pass. During this second maneuver, the aircraft dipped in altitude after completing a spraying operation and subsequently burst into flames.
At the time of the incident, the sun was low in the sky. A deputy sheriff arriving at the accident site encountered the pilot near a dirt road. The pilot stated that the crash was caused by striking power lines.
The investigation
An examination of the wreckage showed no mechanical anomalies. Investigators inspected three north-south running suspended power lines, finding that two lines were severed. These power lines were positioned approximately 20 feet above the ground. It was noted that one of the poles supporting these lines was obscured by trees.