Aviation safety investigations & reports
Air Tractor AT 301, VH-FRP, Merah North (17 Km West Wee Waa) NSW, 5 April 1986
Investigation number:
198602323
198602323
Status: Completed

Summary
The aircraft had been engaged in spraying cotton fields in generally turbulent flying conditions. Power lines crossed one end of the area at an angle of about 20 degrees to the direction of the swath runs. At their lowest point, these wires were about 10 metres above the ground. The pilot reported that as he approached the power lines, intending to fly underneath at the lowest point, the aircraft ballooned upwards in turbulence. Despite corrective action the cockpit mounted wire deflector struck the lines. The deflector was broken and much of the fin and rudder was torn from the aircraft, which subsequently impacted the ground about 800 metres from the power line.
General details
Date: | 05 April 1986 | Investigation status: | Completed | ||
Time: | 0700 aprx | ||||
Location: | Merah North (17 Km West Wee Waa) | ||||
State: | New South Wales | Occurrence type: | Wirestrike | ||
Release date: | 30 May 1986 | Occurrence category: | Accident | ||
Report status: | Final | Highest injury level: | None |
Aircraft details
Aircraft manufacturer | Air Tractor Inc | |
---|---|---|
Aircraft model | AT301 | |
Aircraft registration | VH-FRP | |
Type of operation | Aerial Work | |
Damage to aircraft | Substantial | |
Departure point | Strip 13 km West Wee Waa NSW | |
Departure time | 0700 aprx | |
Destination | 13 km West Wee Waa NSW |