Wirestrike involving a Piper PA-25-235, VH-PPS, 35 km north of Benalla, Victoria, on 17 August 1993

The pilot advised that the paddock was sprayed in north south runs starting on the eastern side and progressing to the west. After completing the north south spray runs the pilot did not orbit the paddock and re-familiarise himself with the hazards before commencing the clean-up run.

Before reaching the end of the clean-up run, he remembered a power line that he was approaching. He pulled up but the main landing gear struck the power line. The aircraft rapidly slowed and the power line broke. The aircraft then crashed through trees and hit the ground.

Significant Factors

The following factors contributed to the development of the accident:

1. The pilot did not re-familiarise himself with the hazards in the paddock, prior to commencing the clean-up run.

2. The pilot forgot about the existence of a power line until it was too late to avoid it.