Summary
On 10 September 2002, a Piper PA-36-375 (registration EC-CUU) was performing agricultural spraying operations over orange groves near San Miguel de Salinas, Spain. The aircraft struck a low-tension power line, cutting the cables. The pilot, the sole occupant, was uninjured, and the aircraft sustained only minor damage.
Aircraft and Crew Information
The aircraft, a Piper PA-36-375 equipped with a single Lycoming IO-720-D1CD engine, had a valid airworthiness certificate and was maintained per its authorized maintenance program. The pilot, aged 25, held a commercial pilot license and had logged approximately 700 total flight hours, with 125 hours on type.
Sequence of Events
The flight operated from a temporary airstrip and was engaged in spraying orange groves. During a low-altitude pass, the pilot felt a slight jolt and realized the aircraft had struck a low-tension power line. The aircraft's cable cutters severed the cables. Noticing no abnormal behavior, the pilot continued flying and returned to the departure airstrip.
Damage and Injuries
The pilot reported no injuries. A visual inspection revealed that the cable cutter on the left main landing gear leg was bent from the impact. No other damage was found on the aircraft. The power line cables were cut as a result of the collision.
Probable Cause
The most probable cause of the incident was that the pilot did not notice the presence of the low-tension power line. Such lines are more difficult to see than high-tension lines due to the relatively small size of their poles.