Accident Overview
A pilot reported that, during a low-level flight, the airplane struck a wire suspended over a river. The landing gear contacted the wire, causing it to stretch like a "bungee cord" before breaking. The wire remained attached to the aircraft, which pulled to the right. The pilot subsequently landed the airplane in the river, where it nosed over.
Sequence of Events
The pilot was conducting a low-level flight over a river when the landing gear contacted a wire. The wire stretched and then broke. After the wire broke, it remained attached to the airplane, causing it to pull to the right. The pilot then performed a landing on the river surface. Upon touchdown, the airplane nosed over.
Damage Assessment
Recovery of the airplane from the river revealed substantial damage. The fuselage, both wings, and the empennage all sustained significant damage. The pilot reported that there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated, "I could have prevented this accident by better observation of power lines over the river." The pilot's report indicates that the wire strike was a result of insufficient observation of the wire hazard. No other causal factors were identified in the pilot's account.