Incident Overview
On 11 December 2001 at 1315Z, an Air Tractor AT-502B (registration ZS-OBR) was engaged in agricultural crop-spraying on a farm in the Breytenbach District. The pilot, holding a commercial license with 2360.70 total flying hours, was conducting a spraying detail. According to the pilot, the weather was fine with a temperature of 20°C and good visibility.
Collision with Electrical Conductor
While performing the crop-spraying operation, the aircraft collided with an electrical conductor that blended in with the background. The conductor pole was also obscured by some trees. The impact severed the electrical conductor, causing minor damage to the propeller and the engine cowling.
Post-Incident Actions
Despite the damage, the pilot flew the aircraft back to Ermelo and executed an uneventful landing. The pilot was not injured during the incident. The operator’s Agricultural Operating License was valid at the time.
Injuries and Damage
No injuries were reported among the sole occupant. The aircraft sustained minor damage, limited to the propeller and engine cowling.
Investigation
The South African Civil Aviation Authority investigated the incident. The probable cause was identified as the pilot failing to notice the electrical conductors that blended in with the background.