Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's selection of an inadequate altitude for an intentional low pass. Contributing to the accident was the dusk light conditions, and the pilots improper inflight planning and decision.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot and his passengers departed bakersfield, california, for an evening flight to santa barbara for dinner. The pilot stated that on the way he decided to fly over three of his citrus ranches and check them from the air. He stated that he was traveling at '250 plus mph' at too low an altitude and clipped a 12,000 volt pg&e power line. The pilot stated that he immediately pulled up to 1,500 feet and checked all systems. He then flew 30 miles back to bakersfield and made an uneventful landing. Examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage.
Source record
Factual narrative
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