CESSNA 172
Bonners Ferry, ID — November 7, 2017
Event Information
| Date | November 7, 2017 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA18CA044 |
| Event ID | 20171113X91400 |
| Location | Bonners Ferry, ID |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 48.70222, -116.24333 |
| Airport | BOUNDARY COUNTY |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | CESSNA |
| Model | 172 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot’s failure to see and avoid power lines while maneuvering at a low altitude.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that, about 50 ft. above the ground during a "low recon" over a river bar, he did not see power lines crossing the river until they were about 10 ft. in front of the airplane. Subsequently, the airplane's empennage struck the wires; he then, added power and initiated a climb. He returned to the airport and landed without further incident.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.