NTSB Factual Report

On July 16, 2004, approximately 0932 central daylight time, a Grumman G-164 single-engine tailwheel-equipped agricultural airplane, N519Y, was substantially damaged when it struck a power line and impacted terrain during an aerial application flight near Havana, Arkansas. The commercial pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, sustained serious injuries. The airplane was registered to a private individual and operated by Poe's Aero Service, of Conway, Arkansas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 aerial application flight. The local flight originated from a private airstrip near Havana, Arkansas, at an unknown time.

According to an Federal Aviation Administration inspector, the 20,000-hour pilot was maneuvering to return to a rice field where he had been performing an aerial application when the airplane struck two power lines approximately 30 feet in height. Subsequently, the airplane impacted terrain and came to rest inverted in a rice field.

A completed Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) was not received from the pilot.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the power lines while maneuvering during an aerial application flight.