On November 14, 2004, about 1605 eastern standard time, a homebuilt unregistered Hipps J3 Kitten, was substantially damaged, when it struck wires and impacted water while maneuvering near Delaware, Ohio. The certificated commercial pilot was seriously injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed for the local personal flight that was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot reported that he was in cruise flight, when he observed the north end of the Alum Creek Reservoir. He then elected to descend and fly over the water. During the descent, the airplane struck unmarked power lines, that stretched about 60 to 80 feet, over the water. The pilot added "I saw the wires only an instant before I hit them." After striking the wires, the airplane descended vertically, and impacted the water. The pilot stated he did not experience any mechanical problems with the airplane.