The pilot was spraying for mosquitos when the Cessna A188 collided with power lines near Pineview, Georgia.
The wreckage was located inverted, about eight miles southeast of the departure airstrip, in a field near power lines. The power lines were about 50 feet above ground level and damage to the power lines and landing gear were consistent with both main landing gear contacting the power lines in a west-to-east direction. The pilot died in the crash.
Both main landing gear separated during impact with the power lines, and the propeller and lower engine cowling also exhibited damage from contact with the power lines. The power lines were approximately 1.25 inches thick, consisting of a steel core with aluminum wires twisted around the core.
Probable Cause: The pilot’s inadequate visual lookout, which resulted in collision with power lines during an aerial application flight.
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This April 2021 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Pure speculation…
I suppose that for this ‘close flying in proximity of powerlines’, there were no ground-support spotters, no marker flares or smoke-pots, nor any ‘red balls’ on the power lines.
I wonder if the pilot took the opportunity to walk/drive the properties before-hand to assess hazards. OR, perhaps, the pilot had flown this rout before and was complacent.
I HOPE the pilot was fully rested the night-before and had adequate meals/liquids.
Unfortunately, he didn’t need the rest and meals/liquids where he went.