Accident Summary
The airplane impacted a power line while maneuvering. The accident occurred near a privately owned airstrip. According to a witness, the airplane was observed overflying the pilot's private airstrip from south to north at an altitude approximately level with the power lines, which were located about 300 yards north of the grass runway. As the airplane neared the wires, its nose pitched up without the pilot adding power. The airplane struck the southern top static wire and subsequently impacted the ground 179 feet north of the power lines.
Witness Observations
The witness reported that the engine sounded "great" during the event. Local residents indicated that the pilot would normally take off to the south and land to the north, though this specific flight was observed making a south-to-north pass at the same level as the power lines.
Aircraft Examination
Examination of the airplane revealed specific damage to the landing gear. The left main landing gear tire showed a straight-line abrasion across the tire tread that extended around the inside edge of the tire. The left lower strut and axle had scrape marks on the leading edge from the brake hose clamp down to the wheel attachment bolts. The right main landing gear tire also had a straight-line abrasion across the tire tread extending around the outside edge of the tire. Continuity was established to all flight controls, indicating no pre-impact control system failures.