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NTSB Report
December 2, 1990 · Cessna 172P · N55276
Axton, VA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 2, 1990
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Axton, VA
Aircraft
Cessna 172P
Tail Number
N55276
Operator
Frank J Still
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
BFO91LA016
THE AIRPLANE STRUCK A 30 FOOT HIGH UNMARKED POWERLINE ABOUT 20 FEET SHORT OF THE RUNWAY OF A PRIVATE GRASS AIRSTRIP. THE AIRPLANE CAME TO REST INVERTED ON THE RUNWAY. THE INVESTIGATION DID NOT REVEAL EVIDENCE INDICATING THE PILOT HAD PREVIOUSLY LANDED AT THE AIRPORT. THE EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPLANE DID NOT REVEAL EVIDENCE OF MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE CLEARANCE WITH AN OBSTACLE. CONTRIBUTING WAS AN UNMARKED POWERLINE AND THE PILOT'S LACK OF FAMILIARITY WITH THE GEOGRAPHICAL AREA.
Full Narrative
THE AIRPLANE STRUCK A 30 FOOT HIGH UNMARKED POWERLINE ABOUT 20 FEET SHORT OF THE RUNWAY OF A PRIVATE GRASS AIRSTRIP. THE AIRPLANE CAME TO REST INVERTED ON THE RUNWAY. THE INVESTIGATION DID NOT REVEAL EVIDENCE INDICATING THE PILOT HAD PREVIOUSLY LANDED AT THE AIRPORT. THE EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPLANE DID NOT REVEAL EVIDENCE OF MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:50 EST
Nearest AirportDAVIS (0nm N)
Runway0
Runway Length2500 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 172P
Tail NumberN55276
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorFrank J Still
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-D2J · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 61 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind30° @ 4 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 8000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point59 / 50
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time21:45
Weather SourceWFAC