Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from transmission wires during a low-level maneuvering flight.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, the pilot reported that he was spraying a field at a low altitude. He said that transmission wires were located near the beginning of the field. He said the airplane encountered an unexpected downdraft which shifted the flight path towards the wires. He unsuccessfully attempted to fly under the wires, but the airplane's propeller and vertical fin struck the wires. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, both wings, the vertical fin, and empennage. According to the FAA inspector, the pilot did not report any preimpact or mechanical malfunctions with the airplane.
Source record
Factual narrative
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, the pilot reported that he was maneuvering at low-altitude to apply applicant to a field. Transmission wires were located near the beginning of his job area. The pilot stated that while overflying the wires, the airplane encountered a gust of wind which shifted the airplane's flight path towards the wires. The pilot unsuccessfully attempted to fly under the wires. The wires struck the airplane's propeller and vertical fin. Aircraft control was lost and the airplane impacted terrain. Substantial damage was sustained to the fuselage, both wings, the vertical fin, and empennage. According to the FAA inspector, the pilot did not report any mechanical malfunctions prior to the collision.