Investigation number
199502360
Occurrence date
State
Queensland
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Aviation occurrence category
Wirestrike
Occurrence class
Accident

The aircraft was engaged in crop spraying operations. The spray runs were being conducted in a north-south pattern across the area which was intersected by a three strand power line running east to west. The pilot advised that due to the cross wind conditions, it was necessary to fly close to the power line on each pass to adequately control the spray pattern. On the sixth spray run, the main wheels struck the uppermost strand of wire, causing the aircraft to descend into the crop. The pilot was not injured in the impact, and was able to exit the aircraft safely. The pilot stated that on the last spray run he either misjudged the height of the wires or the aircraft encounted a down draft in the lee of tall timber growing along the paddock boundary.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Cessna Aircraft Company
Model
A188B/A1
Registration
VH-UJZ
Sector
Piston
Departure point
Jacka Creek strip
Destination
Jacka Creek farm
Damage
Substantial