Accident Details
The accident occurred as the airplane was on final approach to land on runway 18, a 2,500-foot-long turf runway at a private airstrip. A witness reported that winds were gusting from the south, and when the airplane was on short final, it began to sink. The right main landing gear tire struck the top wire of power lines located across a road from the airstrip, perpendicular to the runway.
Impact and Damage
Following the wire strike, the airplane pitched down and impacted on the runway approximately 120 feet to the south. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the forward portion of the fuselage.
Pilot Statement
The pilot stated that he added engine power when he realized the airplane was descending, and the engine hesitated. He further reported that he did not experience any malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Wind Conditions
Around the time of the accident, winds reported at an airport located about 11 miles south-southeast of the accident site were from 190 degrees at 21 knots, gusting to 26 knots.