Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines while maneuvering.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that, while establishing the second boundary along the eastern edge of a field where he was conducting an aerial application, the airplane struck power lines. Following the collision with the power lines, the airplane turned to the left and impacted the ground in a flat attitude, which resulted in structural damage to all four wings and fuselage. The pilot stated that there were four sets of power lines near the field; however, the upper right wing blocked his view of the power lines that the airplane struck. No preimpact mechanical malfunctions were reported that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that while establishing the second boundary along the eastern edge of a field where he was conducting an aerial application, the airplane struck power lines. Following the collision with the power lines, the airplane turned to the left and impacted terrain in a flat attitude, which resulted in structural damage to all four wings and fuselage. The pilot stated that there were four sets of power lines near the field; however, the upper right wing blocked his view from the power lines the airplane struck. No preimpact mechanical malfunctions were reported that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.