Aviation safety investigations & reports
Airtractor AT301, VH-FAQ, Freeling SA, 30 October 1986
Investigation number:
198600914
198600914
Status: Completed

Summary
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.
General details
Date: | 30 October 1986 | Investigation status: | Completed | ||
Time: | 1200 | ||||
Location: | Freeling | ||||
State: | South Australia | Occurrence type: | Wirestrike | ||
Release date: | 16 October 1987 | Occurrence category: | Incident | ||
Report status: | Final | 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 |