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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

July 23, 1998 · Champion 7GCBC · N21262

Clearwater, MN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 23, 1998
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Clearwater, MN
Aircraft
Champion 7GCBC
Tail Number
N21262
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
CHI98LA273

The pilot reported that while in level flight heading southbound at 75' the airplane impacted power lines. The power lines were not marked and were not depicted on the current sectional chart, which he had consulted prior to flight. He added that the poles of the power lines were obscured by trees along the shoreline which make it difficult to be seen in flight. Examination of the Twin Cites Sectional Aeronautical Chart reveals the following caution, 'CAUTION: This chart is primarily designed for VFR navigational purposes and does not purport to indicate the presence of all telephone, telegraph and power transmission lines, terrain or obstacles which may be encountered below reasonable and safe altitudes'.

NTSB Probable Cause

The inadequate visual lookout by the pilot-in-command. The unmarked transmission wire was a contributing factor.

Full Narrative

On July 23, 1998, at 1507 central daylight time, a Champion 7GCBC, N21262, operated by a private pilot, was destroyed when it impacted water following an inflight collision with power lines near Clearwater, Minnesota. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was not operating on a flight plan. The pilot received minor injuries. The local flight departed a private airstrip near St. Cloud, Minnesota at 1415. In a written statement, the pilot reported that he was heading southbound at 75' agl while sightseeing over the Mississippi river when he impacted power lines in level flight. The power lines were unmarked and were not depicted on the current sectional chart, which the pilot had consulted prior to flight. The pilot added that the power line poles are obscured by trees along the shoreline, making them extremely difficult, if not impossible, to be seen in flight. In a telephone conversation, the pilot reported that the flight controls and engine were operating normally at the time of the accident. The Twin Cites Sectional Aeronautical Chart states, "CAUTION: This chart is primarily designed for VFR navigational purposes and does not purport to indicate the presence of all telephone, telegraph and power transmission lines, terrain or obstacles which may be encountered below reasonable and safe altitudes".

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:07 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftChampion 7GCBC
Tail NumberN21262
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-A2B · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 21 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind300° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 8000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point50
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time19:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data