Incident Overview
On the day of the accident, a witness observed an airplane conducting low passes in an agricultural area. The airplane was seen flying west, approximately one-quarter mile north of the witness's location. It then turned around for a second pass.
Witness Account
According to the witness, during the second pass, the airplane dipped slightly in altitude after spraying and subsequently burst into flames. The witness noted that the sun was low in the sky at the time of the incident.
Pilot Statement
A deputy sheriff who responded to the accident site reported meeting the pilot along a dirt road. The pilot told the deputy that he had struck power lines and crashed.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the wreckage revealed no anomalies. Investigators inspected three north-south running suspended power lines in the area, finding that two of the lines were severed. The power lines were suspended approximately 20 feet above the ground. One of the poles supporting the power lines was obscured by trees.
The investigation did not identify any mechanical or structural issues with the aircraft. The circumstances surrounding the collision with power lines remain as described by the pilot and witness.