Accident Overview
An agricultural spray airplane was destroyed by post-impact fire after it struck a power line and impacted the terrain. The pilot reported that he had sprayed one cornfield and was beginning to spray another 20-acre cornfield.
Pilot Account
The pilot stated that he flew over the field and observed power lines. He recalled that he had sprayed the same cornfield the previous year and had flown under the power lines without incident. On the day of the accident, he made one pass flying east, then another pass flying west. During the third pass, while flying east, the airplane struck the wires.
Contributing Factors
The pilot reported that his vision was obstructed by glare on the windshield at the time of the strike. He indicated that there were no mechanical malfunctions of the airplane prior to impact with the wires.
Post-Impact Events
Following the wire strike, the airplane impacted the ground and caught fire. The pilot was able to exit the airplane before it was consumed by the fire.
Aircraft Damage
The agricultural spray airplane was destroyed by the post-impact fire.