Summary
The pilot was carrying out the first spraying run in the particular paddock. Towards the end of the run he was distracted when a large flock of birds suddenly flew up in front of the aircraft. The pilot descended in order to fly under the birds, but temporarily forgot that there was a power line in the vicinity. As he pulled up at the end of the run, the main gear snagged the wire. The wire cutters fitted to the gear did not sever the wire and the aircraft subsequently struck the ground 82 metres beyond the run of the power line.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | 198502565 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 18/11/1985 |
| Location | Benerembah, 26 km SW Griffith |
| Report release date | 30/01/1986 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation status | Completed |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Aviation occurrence category | Wirestrike |
| Occurrence class | Accident |
| Highest injury level | Minor |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Piper Aircraft Corp |
|---|---|
| Model | PA-36 |
| Registration | VH-JND |
| Operation type | Aerial Work |
| Departure point | Griffith NSW |
| Destination | Griffith NSW |
| Damage | Substantial |