Investigation number
199303395
Occurrence date
State
Victoria
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Aviation occurrence type
Wirestrike
Occurrence category
Accident
Highest injury level
Minor

While spraying ICI insecticide known as "Karate" the aircraft collided with a powerline and overturned. At the time of impact the pilot was flying a swath run at about one metre above the crop in a southerly direction over a 220 acre paddock. Visibility was good. The pilot had no idea that the wire was there. His first knowledge of it was when the aircraft hit the wire. This wire had not been detected during the initial airborne inspection of the paddock prior to commencement of spraying. Other wires had been detected. The span was about 150 metres. The pilot was splashed in the face with some of the poisonous chemical (S7) but was able to flush his eyes with water very soon after the accident. However his face did suffer burns similar to sunburn. Significant factors The following factors was considered relevant to the development of the accident: 1. The pilot had not detected the powerline during his initial inspection of the paddock prior to spraying.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Piper Aircraft Corp
Model
PA-25-235
Registration
VH-LUG
Sector
Piston
Departure point
Swan Hill VIC
Destination
Swan Hill VIC
Damage
Destroyed