Flight Events
Near the conclusion of a cross-country flight, the pilot and passenger were returning to the aircraft's home airport. The pilot elected to perform a simulated loss of engine power and subsequent practice approach to a farm field. During the approach, the pilot descended the airplane to approximately the height of an irrigation system installed in the field.
Pilot Actions
While descending, the pilot noticed a “glint of light” and instinctually applied full power, increased pitch, and rolled the airplane to the right. The airplane then contacted a utility wire, resulting in substantial damage to the right wing.
Aftermath
The pilot subsequently returned to the destination airport and landed without further incident. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Pilot Comments
When discussing factors related to the event, the pilot noted that his “…decision to continue the approach as long as I did also played a role.”