Event Description
The pilot of a spray aircraft was conducting the first load of the day. After circling the field to check for obstructions, the pilot performed several spray passes. During one pass, the pilot entered a small triangle area of the field from south to north. Wires were present along the north end of the field.
As the pilot began to climb out of the field over a set of wires, he reported feeling that he would not clear them. He then pushed the airplane's nose down to go under the wires. During this maneuver, the right wheel clipped the top of a pole, and the top of the tail struck the bottom set of wires.
Post-Incident Actions
After exiting the field, another pilot in the area surveyed the airplane and reported that the right wheel was "angled in slightly." The pilot of the affected aircraft determined that all controls were working properly. He then dispensed the remainder of his load and proceeded to an alternate airport.
Landing and Aftermath
Upon landing at the alternate airport, the right main landing gear collapsed. The pilot lost directional control, and the airplane exited the runway before coming to a stop. When the pilot exited the airplane, he found that the top portion of the rudder had been severed by the wire strike.