Piper PA25-235, VH-PFF, 5 km S of Lillimur VIC, 27 September 1989

198901554

Summary

Upon arriving in the area to be sprayed, the pilot carried out an airborne inspection and located the obstacles, including a powerline beside a road just outside the eastern boundary. Three wheat paddocks adjoining each other were to be sprayed. The first spray run was about one and a half kilometres long in an easterly direction. During the run the pilot concentrated on the drift of the herbicide spray and forgot about the power line. He saw the wires a split second before impact. The aircraft struck the north/south power line and severed one of three wires before crashing inverted into the ground about 80 metres beyond the road. Weather conditions at the time were fine and ideal for spraying. This accident was not the subject of a formal on scene investigation.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number 198901554
Occurrence date 27/09/1989
Location 5 km S of Lillimur
Report release date 15/11/1989
Report status Final
Investigation type Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status Completed
Mode of transport Aviation
Aviation occurrence category Wirestrike
Occurrence class Accident
Highest injury level None

Aircraft details

Manufacturer Piper Aircraft Corp
Model PA-25
Registration VH-PFF
Serial number 25-2093
Operation type Aerial Work
Departure point Kaniva VIC
Destination Lillimur VIC
Damage Destroyed