Accident Overview
A pilot on a crop spraying mission near Putaruru struck power cables while flying at low altitude. The aircraft hit the wires and crashed into a field 109 meters beyond the point of impact. The airplane was destroyed, and the pilot, identified as Bruce John Oliver, was killed.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined that the pilot was aware of the power lines and their position was clearly indicated by a firebreak. However, the poles supporting the wires were at different elevations, causing the lines to slope. The higher pole was hidden from the pilot's view, preventing him from anticipating the slope. The pilot judged his crossing point by referencing the lower pole, leading to a collision with the upward-sloping wires.
Conclusion
The board of investigations attributed the accident to the pilot's inability to perceive the slope of the wires due to the obscured higher pole, combined with his reliance on the lower pole for clearance.