N843WAAir Tractor AT-502 · 1988

The pilot reported that, during an agricultural application flight, he surveyed a field before spraying and observed multiple power line wires and poles. While spraying the field, after a turn, about 20 ft above ground, he pulled up and immediately felt "a massive jerk" and saw a "flash" (airplane nose struck a power line wire). The pilot entered a descending turn to an open field adjacent to the spray field. He pushed the power lever forward but did not get a response. During the forced landing, the right wing struck a tree, the airplane rotated 180°, and the left wing and empennage impacted the ground.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.