Cessna A188B-A1 Agwagon, VH-UWK, "Weddinview" Moombooldool, New South Wales, on 2 June 1989

Circumstances:

The pilot conducted an aerial survey of the property to be sprayed. He observed main power lines running from east to west, and a spur power line running north to the homestead. During the final clean-up run of the paddock, whilst flying from west to east, the aircraft's fin struck the spur power line, which was across the flight path, and had been forgotten by the pilot. The wire strike severed the top of the fin and rudder which resulted in the aircraft impacting the ground and coming to rest 90 metres from the power line.

Significant Factors:

The following factor was considered relevant to the development of the accident:

1. The pilot had forgotten about the spur line to the homestead.