Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the wire transmission line due to his diverted attention.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was applying chemical to a bean field and was 'attempting to trim up around the edges' when the airplane struck power lines. The pilot reported that he diverted his attention by looking at some grain bins at the time of the impact. During impact with the wires, the airplane caught on fire, and following a forced landing was destroyed by fire.
Source record
Factual narrative
On July 21, 1997, at 0838 central daylight time, a Gulfstream-Schweizer G-164B airplane, N8031K, registered to and operated by Racer Ag Service, was destroyed following an in-flight collision with a power line while maneuvering near Palestine, Arkansas. The commercial pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the Title 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight, and a flight plan was not filed. The pilot stated that he was applying chemical to a bean field and was "attempting to trim up around the edges" when the airplane struck power lines. The pilot reported that he diverted his attention by looking at some grain bins at the time of the impact. During impact with the wires, the airplane caught on fire, and following a forced landing was destroyed by fire. -