Tail Strike on Sagging Power Wire During Aerial Application Flight

Incident Overview

A pilot conducting an aerial application flight reported an incident involving a power transmission wire. According to the pilot, before the event, he observed a power transmission line with no obstructions underneath. He then turned around to enter the spray field under the wire, where he noticed one wire sagging lower than the others. While flying under the power transmission wire, the aircraft encountered turbulence. In response, the pilot decided to lower the nose to prevent being pushed into the wire. However, the tail rose and struck the power transmission wire.

Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and rudder. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Environmental Conditions

The pilot reported that the wind was calm at the time of the incident.