Summary
The pilot was conducting the first spray run for the day when the aircraft collided with three high tension power lines. One wire was severed by the windscreen mounted wire cutter, but the two remaining wires ran over the cockpit and severed the top of the vertical stabiliser. These actions slowed the aircraft significantly, causing it to descend into the crop. The pilot was fatally injured.
It was reported that the pilot did not conduct an examination of the area to be sprayed prior to commencing the first spray run.
The ATSB did not conduct an on-site investigation into this accident.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | 200004186 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 02/09/2000 |
| Location | 3 km W Bowen, Aero. |
| State | Queensland |
| Report release date | 29/05/2001 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation status | Completed |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Aviation occurrence category | Wirestrike |
| Occurrence class | Accident |
| Highest injury level | Fatal |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Cessna Aircraft Company |
|---|---|
| Model | 188 |
| Registration | VH-JRL |
| Serial number | T18803931T |
| Sector | Piston |
| Operation type | Aerial Work |
| Departure point | Bowen, QLD |
| Destination | Bowen, QLD |
| Damage | Destroyed |