Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines while maneuvering.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that the purpose of the agricultural flight was to spray a swath of field bordered by power lines. After making a pass, the pilot's attention was focused on a pole and he struck nearby power lines, which wrapped around the propeller. The pilot noticed a sudden loss in power and thought he could make it back to the airport. The engine then lost total power and the pilot initiated a forced landing in a field, resulting in a hard landing. The engine detached from the airplane and both wings and the fuselage sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot stated that he was spraying a swath of field bordered by power lines. After making a pass, the pilot's attention was focused on a pole and he struck nearby power lines, which wrapped around the propeller. The pilot noticed a sudden loss in power and thought he could make it back to the airport. The power loss increased and the pilot initiated a forced landing into a field, resulting in a hard landing. The engine detached from the airplane and both wings and fuselage sustained substantial structural damage. The pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal flight.