Accident Overview
The accident occurred during a local aerial application flight. The aircraft was spraying defoliant on a cotton field located east of the impact site. According to the flagger, the airplane was conducting north-to-south-to-north passes while applying Roundup defoliant. During the operation, the airplane struck and severed three top pole-mounted aluminum electrical cables that spanned east to west at an approximate height of 35 feet above the ground.
Sequence of Events
After striking the power lines, the airplane continued and impacted the ground. Physical evidence at the accident site indicates that the airplane struck the ground on a measured heading of 176 degrees. The impact attitude was nose low with a slight right turn. No further details about the flight path or pilot actions are available from the investigation.
Investigation Findings
A teardown examination of the engine and propeller was performed. Investigators found no defects that would have prevented normal operation of the airplane. The pilot had been hired by the owner/operator approximately two weeks prior to the accident after the operator became ill. No other contributing factors or causal links were identified in the source material.