Investigation: 198600914 - Airtractor AT301, VH-FAQ, Freeling SA, 30 October 1986

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The pilot was spraying a pea crop in calm conditions. A high voltage powerline was strung above a fence bounding one side of the paddock being treated. The pilot knew of its presence and could see it clearly during the spray runs. At the end of the sixth run prior to making the procedure turn, the pilot felt a slight jolt and was surprised when he saw the powerline collapse. The aircraft's deflector wire contacted the powerline and guided it over the fuselage until it was severed by the deflector wire rear attachment bracket on top of the fin. The pilot advised that he misjudged the clearance between the fence and the powerline and later inspection revealed that the line was hung lower than is usually the case.

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General details
Date:	30 October 1986	Investigation status:	Completed
Time:	1200
Location:	Freeling	Investigation type:	Occurrence Investigation
State:	South Australia	Occurrence type:	Wirestrike
Release date:	16 October 1987	Occurrence class:	Operational
Report status:	Final	Occurrence category:	Incident
		Highest injury level:	None

Aircraft details
Aircraft manufacturer:	Air Tractor Inc
Aircraft model:	AT301
Aircraft registration:	VH-FAQ
Serial number:	301-0209
Type of operation:	Aerial Work
Damage to aircraft:	Minor
Departure point:	Freeling
Departure time:	N/K
Destination:	Freeling