Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot misjudged clearance from the power lines.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot said he misjudged the power lines and collided with them during a pullup from an aerial application.
Source record
Factual narrative
On September 21, 1995, at 0753 hours mountain standard time, a Piper PA-25, N8551L, collided with some power lines near Marana, Arizona, during an aerial application maneuver while on a 14 CFR Part 137 flight. The aircraft received substantial damage and the pilot was reportedly not injured. Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time. According to the police report, the pilot told an officer that he misjudged the power lines during the pullup and the propeller and the wing tip struck the power lines. The pilot was able to land the aircraft back at the airstrip. The accident was initially reported as an incident. The substantial damage wasn't confirmed until 10/03/95. -