TELLASSE, AL, USA
N4832R
Cessna 188B
The pilot was approaching from the northeast for a swath spray, waiting to fly over power lines that intersected a cotton field at the arrival end. The pilot thought that he was clear to push over into the cotton field to start his spray run. However, he was not completely clear of the power lines and on the push over became entangled with the ridge wire that runs from one pole to another giving the poles stability. The wire tangled between the propeller blades and around the propeller shaft slowing the engine to a stop. While tethered by the cable the aircraft fell approximately 250 to 300 feet, striking a slope and turning almost 180 degrees from the direction of impact.
On October 2, 1998 about 0835 Central Daylight Time, a Cessna 188B agricultural airplane, N4832R, collided with a high tension line and subsequently the ground while spraying a field in Tellasse, Alabama. The airplane was operated by Morris Flying Services, Inc., under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 137, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The commercial pilot sustained minor injuries and the airplane received substantial damage. The flight originated from Shorter, Alabama, at 0750. According to the FAA Inspector, who interviewed the pilot, the pilot was approaching from the northeast for a swath spray, waiting to fly over power lines that intersected a cotton field at the arrival end. The pilot thought that he was clear to push over into the cotton field to start his spray run. However, he was not completely clear of the power lines and on the push over became entangled with the ridge wire that runs from one pole to another giving the poles stability. The wire tangled between the propeller blades and around the propeller shaft slowing the engine to a stop. While tethered by the cable the aircraft fell approximately 250 to 300 feet, striking a slope and turning almost 180 degrees from the direction of impact, substantially damaging the airplane.
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a utility line while conducting a swath run.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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