Cessna A188B-A1, VH-FJT, 16 km north of Dalby, Queensland, on 22 November 1989

Circumstances:

The pilot was familiar with the area and had been given instructions by the property owner that he was to fly spray runs parallel to rows in the crop. The pilot misinterpreted these instructions which resulted in him flying parallel to the eastern boundary of the area rather than the western boundary. He then became partly disoriented with respect to the position of a single wire power line. The right wing of the aircraft struck the wire and the outer 120cm of the leading edge of the wing was lost. The rudder was also damaged by the wire. The pilot was able to retain control of the aircraft and landed without further incident. The pilot reported that the early morning light conditions were less than ideal for seeing wires.

Significant Factors:

The following factors were considered relevant to the development of the accident:

1. The pilot did not clarify the instructions he was given.
2. Visibility was limited because of the early morning light conditions.
3. The pilot did not see or avoid the wire.