Summary
On Tuesday, July 8, 2003, at 09:30 local time, a Piper PA-36-285 (registration EC-HJN) operated by Tratamientos Aéreos Martínez Ridao struck a high-tension power line while conducting an agricultural application over tomato fields in the "La Encom. vieja" estate, Valdivia (Badajoz). The pilot, a 26-year-old commercial pilot with 2,100 total flight hours (320 on type), was performing the last pass of the day. He intended to discharge chemical powder over the southeast corner of the parcel, which was partially crossed by a 20 kV power line.
Accident Sequence
The pilot flew south and, nearing the power line, pulled the elevator to climb over it. The right wing struck two cables, breaking them and causing a cable end to become trapped in the wing. The aircraft decelerated and pitched up nearly vertically. The pilot increased engine power and lowered the nose, but the trapped cable tensed, tearing the right wing off and causing the aircraft to dive into the ground 60 m south of the power line. A fire ensued. Witnesses reported seeing a bright flash, the aircraft in a nose-up right bank for about 60 m, then a sudden nose drop and crash.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot, who was wearing protective goggles, exited the aircraft by his own means. He suffered fractures in both legs and burns on his hands. The aircraft was destroyed by impact and fire. The power line sustained damage: two cables broke, and a crossarm on one support tower was damaged.
Investigation Findings
The investigation determined that the accident originated from the pilot initiating a right turn before the aircraft had cleared the power line, causing the right wing to contact the cables. Suspended dust from the chemical powder may have reduced visibility, potentially contributing to the event.