NTSB Factual Report

On April 10, 2002, approximately 0700 central daylight time, an Air Tractor 502B agricultural airplane, N9074H, sustained substantial damage when it impacted a wire while maneuvering near Palestine, Arkansas. The commercial pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. The airplane was being operated by the Hutcherson Flying Service, Forrest City, Arkansas, under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local aerial application flight, and a flight plan was not filed. The flight originated from a private airstrip near Palestine at 0615.

In a telephone interview with the NTSB investigator-in-charge, the pilot reported that before spraying the field, he flew around it a couple of times, and noticed two sets of wires running at different angles. On his last spray run, the airplane struck a "hidden wire" with the propeller, which resulted in an 8 to 10 inch tear in the outboard section of the left aileron. After pulling up out of the field, the pilot noticed a certain amount of drag, which necessitated using cross-control forces to keep the airplane level. With the airplane still controllable, the pilot proceeded to an alternate airport and landed without further incident. No damage to the propeller was detected.

NTSB Probable Cause

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