Primary finding
Probable cause
obstacle clearance not maintained by the pilot-in-command.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
Two aerial applicators were team spraying a field. Before commencing spray operations they circled the field to look for obstacles. The first airplane began his swath run. The second airplane followed him into the field, but did not see the power line. The second airplane struck the power line and crashed into the field. The pilot escaped uninjured. The airplane was consumed by fire.
Source record
Factual narrative
On August 10, 1993, at 0700 central daylight time, a Cessna Ag Truck, N4802Q, operated by the Wilson Flying Service, Lexington, Nebraska, struck a power line and crashed near Overton, Nebraska, while performing an aerial application maneuver. The airplane was destroyed by fire. The commercial pilot was not injured. No flight plan was filed, and visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time. The pilot reported he was team spraying a pivot-irrigated field with another airplane. Both airplanes circled the field to look for obstructions. The other airplane began his swath run first. The pilot of the mishap airplane stated he followed the first plane but did not see the power line. The airplane struck the power line and crashed in the field. -