FTW03LA158

The pilot had been applying urea on an 85-acre rice field when the aircraft collided with the lower set of high voltage transmission wires. The power lines were 50 feet above ground level. The aircraft was traveling at 100 knots on a heading of 360 degrees, and the transmission wires followed an east to west heading. The pilot had flown under the power lines on previous occasions, but the pilot did not see the power lines on this flight. Haze prevailed throughout the area from forest fires, in Central America.

On May 19, 2003, at 1312 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-502B agricultural airplane, N9086M, was destroyed upon collision with high voltage transmission wires while maneuvering near Edna, Texas. The instrument rated commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The aerial application flight was operating under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137. The airplane was registered to and operated by Kubecka Flying Services, Inc., of Edna, Texas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed. The local flight departed Kubecka Flying Service Airport (6TE5) approximately 1310.

The pilot reported in the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) that he was applying urea on an 85-acre rice field located 3/4 mile east of 6TE5. The pilot stated that the aircraft was traveling on a heading of 360 degrees, and the power lines followed an east to west heading. The aircraft was traveling approximately 100 miles per hour when it struck the power lines. The pilot had flown under the lines on previous occasions, but stated that he did not see the lower two power lines on this date, as his visibility was restricted by the dense haze from forest fires in Central America. The lower set of power lines that were struck were about 50 feet above ground level.

The 5,197-hour pilot added that, the height he entered the field, position of the sun, and the prevailing haze and smoke, made the cables blend into the background thus preventing him from seeing the wires.

Examination of the wreckage by the operator revealed that the engine was externally damaged and separated from the fuselage. The propeller was separated from the engine and all blades were cracked and twisted. Both wings, and all stabilizer and control surfaces were damaged and twisted, and the rear fuselage from the cockpit behind was twisted 90 degrees to the left.

At 1251, Victoria Regional Airport (VCT) Automated Weather Observation System (AWOS), located 6 miles east of the accident site; reported the winds from 160 degrees at 6 knots, 6 statute miles visibility, haze, clear sky, temperature 33 degrees Celsius, dewpoint 23 degrees Celsius, altimeter setting 29.86 inches of Mercury.