Accident Overview
An agricultural spray airplane was destroyed when it struck a guy wire of a 1,040-foot radio tower antenna located near a cotton field the pilot was about to spray. The aircraft was consumed by ground impact and post-impact fire.
Witness Reports
A witness reported hearing the airplane flying in the area, followed by an explosion. The witness then called 911 and went outside, observing the tower falling to the ground.
Aircraft Inspection
Inspection of the airplane revealed impact marks on the mid-span of the left wing, consistent with a wire strike. The propeller also exhibited gouging and scraping marks consistent with a wire strike.
Pilot's Actions
Witnesses reported that the pilot conducted a map study of the area to be sprayed because it was a sensitive area due to honeybees and homes near the cotton field. The Memphis Sectional Aeronautical Chart the pilot used depicted the 1,040-foot tower.
Tower and Guy Wire Details
The tower was supported by three sets of guy wires anchored at 120-degree intervals around the base. The bases of the guy wire anchors were about 425 feet from the tower base. An extra guy wire supported the tower, with its anchor located about 729 feet from the base in the southeast corner field where the tower stood.
Advisory Circular Reference
The FAA Advisory Circular AC 70/7460-1K, "Obstruction Marking and Lighting," advises that a pilot should maintain 2,000 feet horizontal clearance for a 2,000-foot tall tower to avoid all guy wires.