Accident Details
The pilot reported that the purpose of the flight was to locate and observe newborn calves on his ranch. While maneuvering at a low altitude, the airplane collided with a transmission wire. The pilot immediately executed a forced landing to a nearby road. However, the airplane slid off the road and impacted a ditch.
Aircraft Damage
The vertical stabilizer was substantially damaged during the wire strike. The fuselage and both wings were substantially damaged during the off-field landing.
Pilot and Flight Information
The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane. The pilot held an expired student pilot certificate and did not have a current medical certificate.