Incident Overview
A pilot engaged in aerial application over a wheat field was working beneath non-active power lines leading to an abandoned farmstead. During a pass, the aircraft struck one of the wires, resulting in the separation of the vertical stabilizer and rudder from the airframe.
Pilot Account
According to the pilot, after the wire strike, directional control was lost. However, the aircraft continued to fly with wings level while in a skidding turn to the right. As a tree line approached, the pilot reduced engine power. The aircraft then impacted level terrain with its wings level. The pilot reported that following impact, the aircraft slid to the left, folding the left main landing gear under the wing.