Investigation number
200004186
Occurrence date
Location
3 km W Bowen, Aero.
State
Queensland
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Aviation occurrence category
Wirestrike
Occurrence class
Accident
Highest injury level
Fatal
The pilot was conducting the first spray run for the day when the aircraft collided with three high tension power lines. One wire was severed by the windscreen mounted wire cutter, but the two remaining wires ran over the cockpit and severed the top of the vertical stabiliser. These actions slowed the aircraft significantly, causing it to descend into the crop. The pilot was fatally injured.
It was reported that the pilot did not conduct an examination of the area to be sprayed prior to commencing the first spray run.
The ATSB did not conduct an on-site investigation into this accident.
Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Cessna Aircraft Company
Model
188
Registration
VH-JRL
Serial number
T18803931T
Operation type
Aerial Work
Sector
Piston
Departure point
Bowen, QLD
Destination
Bowen, QLD
Damage
Destroyed