Incident Overview
A Douglas DC-3 aircraft, engaged in aerial spraying of dimilin over wooded and hilly terrain, collided with power lines in a valley area. Witnesses in a nearby observation aircraft reported the DC-3 entering a gradual climb that continued until the aircraft achieved a steep, nose-high attitude. The pilot of the observation aircraft attempted to communicate with the DC-3 pilots but was unable to establish radio contact.
Sequence of Events
According to the observation aircraft pilot, the DC-3 entered a stall/spin at an altitude of approximately 1,200 feet above ground level (AGL) and subsequently crashed. An investigation revealed no evidence of a preimpact failure or mechanical malfunction. The DC-3 was not equipped with a wire cutter kit.
Fatalities
Both pilots of the DC-3 were killed in the accident.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause of the accident was an inadequate visual lookout by the pilots of the DC-3, which resulted in their failure to see-and-avoid the powerlines. Factors related to the accident were the obstruction (transmission wires) and the lack of visual cues for the pilots.