Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the power line. Factors were a chemical spray contaminated windscreen, the resultant limitation to visibility, and sun glare.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During an agriculture spray run the chemical partially covered the windscreen and combined with sun glare, obscured the pilot's vision. The aircraft flew into a power line and hooked the tail wheel on it. The aircraft impacted the ground nose gear first.
Source record
Factual narrative
On April 16, 1994, at 0820 central daylight time, a Piper PA-25- 260, N4647Y, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Muskogee, Oklahoma. The commercial pilot sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the aerial application flight. In an interview with a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, the pilot stated that the chemical he was spraying partially covered the windshield and combined with windshield glare obscured his view. He further stated that he struck a power line. During the wire strike the tail wheel hooked on the wire and the aircraft impacted the ground nose gear first. The aircraft was released to the owner. -