Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a wire, while crossing under a transmission line. The proximity of wires to the work area was a related factor.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that during a swath run, he was 'going under a wire . . . the rudder caught the neutral cable and rendered my elevator and rudder ineffective.' He reduced power, and the airplane banked left and impacted the terrain. The pilot reported that there was 'nothing wrong' with the airplane before the accident. Examination of the airplane revealed evidence of a wire strike on the vertical stabilizer.
Source record
Factual narrative
On August 8, 1996, at 0715 central daylight time, Weatherly 201B, N1282W, sustained substantial damage when it impacted a wire near Fargo, North Dakota. The commercial pilot reported no anomalies prior to the accident. He reported no injury. The local, 14 CFR Part 137, aerial application flight originated about 0715. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The pilot reported that he was making an aerial application swathe run. He was "going under a wire...the rudder caught the neutral cable and rendered my elevator and rudder ineffective." He reduced power, the airplane banked left and impacted the terrain. He reported that there was "nothing wrong" with the airplane prior to the accident. The Federal Aviation Administration Inspector who examined the wreckage reported that the vertical stabilizer exhibited evidence of impact with a wire. -