What happened
The pilot initiated a flight maneuver designed to simulate an engine failure while flying over an agricultural area. The objective was to execute a recovery at an altitude between 60 and 70 feet above the ground. During the approach, the pilot believed he had successfully cleared the field. However, his attention was diverted by a flock of geese in the vicinity. This distraction caused the aircraft to strike a wire. Following the contact, the pilot continued the flight back to the airport from which he had departed to evaluate the extent of the damage sustained by the airplane.
The investigation
Upon returning to the originating airport, the pilot assessed the condition of the aircraft. The assessment was conducted to determine the mechanical impact of the wire strike. No further mechanical examination or external investigation details are provided in the source material regarding the specific components affected or the structural integrity beyond the initial visual check by the pilot.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to the incident was the pilot's loss of situational awareness during a critical phase of flight. The distraction caused by the wildlife interfered with the execution of the simulated maneuver. The decision to perform a simulated engine failure over populated or obstructed areas introduces significant risk, particularly when external stimuli divert attention from altitude and obstacle avoidance.