Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's poor inflight planning and visual lookout.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
After completing an aerial application swath run the pilot elected to go under the high transmission wires but failed to observe the lower wires. The upper section of the vertical stabilizer struck the lower wires causing the vertical stabilizer and rudder to separate. The pilot flew the airplane to stockton airport, but landed short because he was unable to maintain the proper descent rate. The pilot did not indicate that prior to commencing the swath run that he flew over the field to check for obstacles.
Source record
Factual narrative
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