What happened
The accident involved an agricultural airplane that sustained substantial damage after colliding with overhead power lines and subsequently impacting the ground in an open field. According to the pilot's account, the incident occurred while he was concluding his final spray run on a rice field. After completing this task, the pilot departed the area toward the south and began to gain altitude. During this climb, the aircraft struck power lines that ran perpendicular across the field. No mechanical issues were reported prior to the event.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the impact. Examination revealed that the agricultural airplane was destroyed after it struck power lines and impacted terrain in an open field. The pilot stated that as he completed his last spray run on a rice field, he departed the area to the south, gained altitude, and impacted the power lines running perpendicular across the field. No mechanical problems with the airplane were reported prior to the accident.
Findings
The primary factor in this accident was the loss of control due to terrain clearance issues during low-level agricultural operations. The aircraft struck power lines while gaining altitude after a spray run. fuel exhaustion is not cited; rather, the collision with infrastructure was the direct cause of destruction. The pilot's decision to gain altitude in proximity to overhead utilities contributed directly to the outcome.
Safety message
Pilots conducting agricultural operations must maintain strict awareness of overhead obstacles, particularly power lines that may run perpendicular to flight paths. Adequate clearance should be maintained during all phases of flight, especially when transitioning between spray runs or gaining altitude near infrastructure.