Accident Summary
An aerial application flight experienced a power line strike after the pilot did not maintain a low enough altitude while passing under high tension lines. The aircraft sustained damage to its vertical stabilizer and rudder, but the pilot executed a forced landing without further incident.
Sequence of Events
Before beginning spraying operations, the pilot circled the field and identified high tension power lines. The first three spray runs were completed without issue, with the pilot passing under the power lines on two of those passes. On the fourth pass, however, the pilot failed to maintain adequate clearance, and the vertical stabilizer struck the lines. The impact caused the upper portion of the vertical stabilizer and the entire rudder to separate from the airframe.
Forced Landing
Despite a total loss of rudder control, the pilot maintained control of the aircraft and performed a forced landing to a harvested wheat field. The pilot's actions prevented further damage or injury.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of this accident is the pilot's failure to maintain a low enough altitude to clear the power lines during the aerial application flight.