N2325G

On July 8, 1998, at 0900 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-301 agricultural airplane, N2325G, was substantially damaged when it impacted a wire while maneuvering near Plainview, Texas. The airplane was owned and operated by Hardage Aerial Spraying Service of Hale Center, Texas. The airline transport rated pilot, sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the Title 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight. The flight originated from the Laney Farm Airport, near Hale Center, Texas, at 0800.

The 3,700 hour pilot reported in the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB FORM 6120.1/2) that he was making a final pass through the center of a field he was spraying. He was flying the airplane adjacent to a "center pivot sprinkler" and adjusted the flight path of the airplane to remain clear of the sprinkler. The airplane cleared the sprinkler and was departing the western edge of the field when the pilot noticed wires and poles. The right wing tip contacted the lower wire extending from the support poles. The airplane continued flying and the pilot elected to fly the airplane to the Horan Airport, Plainview, Texas, where the airplane landed without further incident.

Examination of the airplane by an FAA inspector revealed that approximately 22 inches of the outboard right wing separated from the airplane at the "factory spar splice." A section of right wing spar was bent. No damage was incurred by the transmission lines or poles.