ESPARTO, CA, USA
N8011K
GRUMMAN G-164B
THE PILOT WAS CONDUCTING AERIAL SPRAYING OPERATIONS. BEFORE DEPARTING ON THE ACCIDENT FLT, THE PLT APPRISED THE FLAGGERS OF HIS FLIGHT PATH, WHICH WAS TO BEGIN AT THE CENTER OF A TOMATO CROP FIELD AND TRAVERSE IN AN EAST TO WEST DIRECTION. DURING THE FIRST LOAD, THE PLT FLEW BENEATH NORTH/SOUTH TRANSMISSION WIRES. DURING THE SECOND LOAD, HE BEGAN A SWATH RUN FROM A WEST TO EAST DIRECTION. AS THE ACFT CAME TO THE TRANSMISSION WIRES, THE PILOT BEGAN A CLIMB, BUT THE RIGHT WING CONTACTED A WIRE. THE FUEL TANK RUPTURED CAUSING AN INFLT FIRE AND THE AIRPLANE PLUMMETED TO THE GND.
THE PILOT MISJUDGED THE AIRPLANE'S CLEARANCE WITH THE TRANSMISSION WIRES.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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