NEW DEAL, TX, USA
N2031J
CESSNA T188C
THE PILOT STATED HE WAS TO MAKE HIS FIRST PASS FROM SOUTH TO NORTH OVER A SET OF POWER LINES THAT HE WAS AWARE OF ON THE SOUTH END OF THE FIELD. HE INITIATED THE PASS BY DIVING INTO THE FIELD OVER THE LINES. AS HE DID SO, HE SAW A SECOND SET OF 30 FOOT HIGH LINES, 291 FEET NORTH OF THE FIRST. HE SUCCESSFULLY WENT UNDER THE SECOND LINES; HOWEVER, THE AIRPLANE STRUCK THE GROUND SHORTLY THEREAFTER. THE SUPPORT POLES FOR THE SECOND SET OF LINES WERE OBSCURED.
On October 3, 1993, approximately 0915 central daylight time, a Cessna T188C, N2031J, was substantially damaged when it collided with the ground during an abrupt maneuver, near New Deal, Texas. The airplane, flown by a commercial pilot, was on a local aerial application flight. There was no flight plan filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The pilot received minor injuries. The pilot stated that he circled the field to be sprayed, looking for obstructions. He saw none other than the set of power lines at the south end of the field, of which he was already aware. The pilot said he was beginning his first pass on the field, flying from south to north, by diving into the field over the southern set of lines. He further stated that at that point he saw a second set of 30 foot high lines, located 291 feet north of the first set. He successfully dove under the lines; however, the airplane struck the ground collapsing the gear. The second set of power lines ran parallel to the first and the western pole was obscured by a tree line, while the eastern pole was part of the first set of lines.
FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN GROUND CLEARANCE WHILE AVOIDING A POWERLINE. FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO SEE A SECOND SET OF POWER LINES PRIOR TO INITIATING THE SPRAYING RUN WAS ALSO A CAUSE.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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