Accident Narrative
The pilot of a twin-engine airplane reported that during a visual approach for landing, he made appropriate radio calls and confirmed all airplane lights were illuminated. The airplane touched down about 400 feet down the runway. At that moment, the pilot noticed a vehicle approaching the runway from the south side. The vehicle hesitated, then proceeded to cross the runway while towing a large trailer with a tractor loaded on the back. The pilot swerved the airplane to the left to avoid a head-on collision with the trailer but was unable to avoid it; the right wing impacted the trailer. After the collision, the driver of the truck apologized and stated he thought he could beat the airplane across the runway.
Driver's Account
The driver of the vehicle reported that he looked both ways down the runway and did not see any aircraft. While crossing, he saw an airplane and accelerated, but the airplane impacted the end of the trailer.
Airport Manager's Statement
The airport manager stated that the driver was not an airport employee but had volunteered, without compensation, to cut and bale hay at a far corner of the airport. The manager noted that all weather station or other repair technicians are escorted by airport staff. This was the first time he had allowed the driver to cut hay on the airfield, and he had thoroughly briefed the driver to stay 50 feet away from the runway. The driver told the manager he took the quicker, drier route instead of the longer, safer route because he was concerned his truck and trailer might get stuck in an area saturated from the previous night's precipitation.
Witness Report
A witness located at the airport reported observing the vehicle cross the center of the runway four times with a truck and trailer, and two times while driving a tractor with a cutter attached. The witness noted that the driver of the tractor was traveling at more than a safe speed around the hangar areas.
Aftermath
Following the collision, the airplane was destroyed in a post-impact fire.