Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot did not ensure clearance from a power line during a surveillance pass of a field to be sprayed.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that prior to spraying any field, he would make two surveillance passes. During the second surveillance pass on the day of the accident, although he was aware of a power line in the vicinity, the pilot did not ensure safe clearance from the power line. The landing gear struck the power line and the airplane impacted terrain. Both wings and the fuselage sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.