FTW00LA246

The pilot was applying chemical to a cotton field. While maneuvering, the pilot flew the airplane under high power lines. As the airplane flew under the power lines, the vertical stabilizer struck a wire, separating the rudder and stabilizer from the airplane. The airplane crossed over a road, continued up and over a set of low power lines, and stuck the top of trees. The airplane continued about 150 yards before the airplane's left wing struck the ground. The airplane spun around and came to rest upright.

On August 28, 2000, at 1051 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-502B agricultural airplane, N61389, was substantially damaged when it collided with terrain following an in-flight collision with wires near Eudora, Arkansas. The airplane was registered to and operated by Hensley Flying Service LLC of Eudora, Arkansas. The commercial pilot, sole occupant, was seriously injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 aerial application flight. The boll weevil eradication flight originated from the Hensley Flying Service airstrip at 0905.

The pilot was applying Fyfnnon to a cotton field. While maneuvering to the east, the pilot flew the airplane under high power lines. As the airplane flew under the power lines, the vertical stabilizer struck a wire, separating the rudder and stabilizer from the airplane. The airplane crossed over Highway 65 and continued up and over a set of low power lines. The airplane traveled about 50 yards and stuck the top of trees. The airplane continued about 150 yards before the airplane's left wing struck the ground. The airplane spun around and came to rest upright facing to the northeast.

Examination of the airplane, by the FAA inspector who traveled to the accident site, revealed that the left wing was bent aft, the fuselage was twisted and torn, and the main landing gear was separated from the airplane. The propeller was separated from the engine, and the engine case was split in half. The vertical stabilizer and rudder were found near the high power lines.