Ayres Corporation S2R-G1 N6134T accident near Bald Eagle, Pennsylvania

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a power line.

NTSB analysis

While preparing for an aerial agricultural application, the pilot flew over the intended application area twice while setting the global positioning system (GPS). After descending to approximately 50 feet above trees, the pilot began the application process, and was monitoring the GPS, when the airplane's right wing struck a power line. The airplane subsequently impacted trees and came to rest in a heavily wooded area. An examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the wings, tail, and fuselage were substantially damaged. The winds reported at an airport 30 miles to the east of the accident location were calm. The pilot did not report any mechanical failures or malfunctions of the airplane.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA09CA298 for the full record.