What happened
On October 5, 2001, a Piper PA-36-375, registration EC-FBK, was performing aerial spraying operations over a field near Utrera, Seville. The aircraft, operated by Tratamientos Aéreos Manuel Romero, S. L., was completing its final pass of the area.
To reposition for this final pass, the pilot flew underneath a set of high-voltage power lines and initiated a sharp right-hand turn. During this maneuver, the aircraft ascended and struck the power lines, severing two of the cables. The impact caused the aircraft to crash into the ground, where it came to rest in an inverted position. The aircraft was destroyed in the accident, though the pilot was able to exit the wreckage uninjured.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight path, the condition of the wreckage, and the pilot' and aircraft's operational history. Investigators found that the aircraft had been flying low to the ground for spraying purposes and the pilot was familiar with the terrain.
Physical evidence at the scene showed that one of the high-voltage cables remained wrapped around the right wing of the aircraft. The impact with the ground caused significant damage to the left wing, which folded inward and partially tore away from the fuselage. The engine was displaced from its mounts, and two of the propeller blades were embedded in the ground. Despite the structural damage to the wings and tail surfaces, the cockpit area remained largely intact, which facilitated the pilot's safe escape.
Findings
- The pilot performed a tight turn immediately after passing under the power lines.
- An unintentional slight ascent occurred during the execution of the turn.
- The pilot was likely unaware of the increasing altitude during the maneuver.
- The lack of pilot concentration prevented the timely detection of the climb, leading to the collision with the cables.