Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to see and avoid transmission wires during the landing approach.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that he was in a pumpkin drop competition that was being held on a farm field with a new landing strip. The prevailing winds necessitated that the airplanes fly over transmission wires prior to landing. The pilot stated that he dropped his pumpkins, but missed the target by a long distance. During his landing, he flew over one set of power lines and reduced power to descend and land. The airplane inadvertently struck a second, parallel set of wires that he had not seen. The pilot stated that there were no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot was hospitalized for 12 weeks following the accident.