Incident Summary
An Air Tractor AT-402B engaged in agricultural operations over a cornfield experienced a collision with a power line. The pilot reported making east and west passes above the field, maneuvering under power lines at one end of the field. During the final pass, the aircraft's vertical stabilizer contacted a power line, resulting in structural damage.
Damage Details
The contact sheared the upper section of the vertical stabilizer and the entire rudder from the aircraft. Despite the damage, the pilot retained control and successfully landed the airplane at a nearby airport without any further incident.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane or any of its systems prior to the accident. The aircraft was an Air Tractor AT-402B, a single-engine agricultural aircraft commonly used for crop dusting. The pilot did not report any injuries or other damage beyond the described stabilizer and rudder damage.
Aircraft Condition
No preexisting mechanical issues were identified. The aircraft was able to complete the landing under pilot control after the power line strike.