Introduction
A noncertificated pilot and his son were conducting a local personal flight in an unregistered experimental airplane, which was previously registered as N4114G. The flight originated from the pilot's private airstrip.
Flight and Descent
During the return flight, the occupants noticed an area of smoke and fire near the pilot's property. They proceeded to the area to examine the fire. The pilot descended the airplane to an altitude of about 20 feet above ground level to see what was burning. This action diverted the pilot's attention from the surrounding environment.
Impact
The pilot reported that he "immediately" pulled up to avoid powerlines, "but was 2 seconds late." The airplane subsequently struck the powerlines. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operations.
Aircraft Information
The airplane was an experimental, amateur-built aircraft. It was unregistered at the time of the accident, though it previously carried the registration N4114G. No further details about the aircraft model or engine were provided in the source.