Investigation number
199302564
Occurrence date
State
Victoria
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Aviation occurrence type
Wirestrike
Occurrence category
Accident

The pilot advised that the paddock was sprayed in north south runs starting on the eastern side and progressing to the west. After completing the north south spray runs the pilot did not orbit the paddock and re-familiarise himself with the hazards before commencing the clean-up run. Before reaching the end of the clean-up run, he remembered a power line that he was approaching. He pulled up but the main landing gear struck the power line. The aircraft rapidly slowed and the power line broke. The aircraft then crashed through trees and hit the ground. Significant Factors The following factors contributed to the development of the accident: 1. The pilot did not re-familiarise himself with the hazards in the paddock, prior to commencing the clean-up run. 2. The pilot forgot about the existence of a power line until it was too late to avoid it.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Piper Aircraft Corp
Model
PA-25-235
Registration
VH-PPS
Sector
Piston
Departure point
Bungeet (25km N Benalla) VIC
Destination
Bungeet VIC
Damage
Destroyed