Summary
An accident occurred during an aerial application flight. The pilot made multiple spray passes over a field. On the second pass, the airplane struck a wire, resulting in damage and an impact with terrain.
Narrative
The pilot initially performed the first spray pass over the field, flying under a wire at the end of the field to avoid spraying chemicals on a neighboring field. As the pilot entered the field for the second pass, he again flew under the wire. The pilot stated that he misjudged his altitude during this second pass. The top of the vertical stabilizer contacted the wire, causing a piece of the vertical stabilizer to separate from the airplane. The rudder was bent and partially detached from the vertical stabilizer. Subsequently, the airplane nosed down, impacted the terrain, and slid approximately 200 yards before coming to rest.
Damage
The vertical stabilizer sustained structural damage, including the separation of a piece and bending and partial detachment of the rudder. The airplane came to rest after sliding about 200 yards.
Pilot Statement
The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical issues with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. He attributed the accident to misjudging his altitude during the second pass.