Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a cable during spray operations.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that, while spraying a pasture at low altitude, the airplane struck a zipline cable, which resulted in substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and rudder. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation and that he needed to be more alert to obstacles.