Flight Details
The pilot departed and performed a touch-and-go at one airport, then landed at another. The flight continued north to a third airport for another touch-and-go. The airplane then headed south toward the home airport, during which the pilot descended to low altitude and followed a river for part of the leg. The pilot reported that conditions were turbulent for most of the day, but the airplane's behavior seemed abnormal during the low-altitude segment.
Wire Strike and Damage
While airborne, a passenger observed that the brake line attached to the right main landing gear strut was severed. The pilot conducted a precautionary landing at a nearby airport. Inspection revealed multiple damage sites. Investigation determined that the airplane struck and severed one of several electrical power lines spanning the river. The lines were strung between two poles set back from the river edge, with the west pole in a loose stand of trees. The wire span was approximately 464 feet, and the wire height at mid river was approximately 30 to 40 feet above the water.
Damage from the wire strike included the propeller, cowling, exhaust stack, right wing (multiple places), right wing strut, right main gear brake line, right landing gear wheel fairing, right fuselage, and vertical stabilizer. The rear window was punctured.
Aftermath
Since no one was present at the airport where the precautionary landing occurred, the pilot and passengers reboarded and departed for the home airport, where an uneventful landing was made. The pilot stated that he did not see any wires and was not aware of the wire strike until examining the airplane after landing. Neither the pilot nor the passengers incurred any injuries.