Primary finding
Probable cause
Failure of the pilot to remain clear of power lines. A factor related to the accident was: the pilot's impairment due to use of drugs that were not approved for use while flying.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was flying a cleanup maneuver after his seventh pass over the field. During the pass, the aircraft flew under a set of power lines, then collided with a second set of lines. The power lines were perpendicular to the flightpath, and the pilot was familiar with the area. Visibility was unrestricted. A toxicology test of the pilot's blood showed: 0.197 ug/ml of fluoxetine, 0.087 ug/ml of norfluoxetine, and 0.016 ug/ml of methamphetamine; amphetamine was also detected in his blood. A test of his urine showed: 1.578 ug/ml of methamphetamine and 0.229 ug/ml of amphetamine; fluoxetine and norfluoxetine were also detected in his urine.
Source record
Factual narrative
On June 15, 1994, at 0730 hours Pacific daylight time, a Schweizer G-164B, N8392K, collided with some high tension power lines during a cleanup path maneuver near Live Oak, California. The aircraft was destroyed and the pilot was fatally injured. Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time. The aerial application flight originated from a local duster strip. According to the operator, the pilot was flying east to west and flew under a set of wires and collided with the second set of wires. The power lines are oriented on a north to south direction. This was the pilot's seventh flight over the field. The operator stated the pilot was experienced and was familiar with the area. The operator reported no mechanical problems. -