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NTSB Report
October 17, 1989 · Cessna 172N · N172SC
Valdosta, GA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 17, 1989
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Valdosta, GA
Aircraft
Cessna 172N
Tail Number
N172SC
Operator
Holland Flying Service
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL90LA020
WHILE THE PLT WAS PATROLLING A 115 KV POWER LINE, THE ACFT FLEW INTO A 230 KV LINE THAT CROSSED OVER THE 115 KV LINE. THE PLT FELT A 'JOLT' AS THE ACFT STRUCK THE 230 KV LINE, BUT THE ACFT CONTINUED FLYING. HE MADE A CONTROLLABILITY CHECK, THEN HE RETURNED TO THE ARPT & LANDED WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT. AN EXAM REVEALED DAMAGE TO THE LEFT WING TIP, VERTICAL STABILIZER & RUDDER.
NTSB Probable Cause
INADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT BY THE PILOT (FAILURE TO SEE & AVOID THE OBSTRUCTION). CONTRIBUTING FACTORS WERE THE TRANSMISSION (POWER) LINE AND LACK OF VISUAL CUES (PILOT'S VISUAL PERCEPTION).
Full Narrative
WHILE THE PLT WAS PATROLLING A 115 KV POWER LINE, THE ACFT FLEW INTO A 230 KV LINE THAT CROSSED OVER THE 115 KV LINE. THE PLT FELT A 'JOLT' AS THE ACFT STRUCK THE 230 KV LINE, BUT THE ACFT CONTINUED FLYING. HE MADE A CONTROLLABILITY CHECK, THEN HE RETURNED TO THE ARPT & LANDED WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT. AN EXAM REVEALED DAMAGE TO THE LEFT WING TIP, VERTICAL STABILIZER & RUDDER.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:02 EDT
Nearest AirportValdosta Regional (0nm N)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 172N
Tail NumberN172SC
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorHolland Flying Service
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-H2AD · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 54 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind220° @ 8 kt
Visibility12 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 3500 ft
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time19:02
Weather SourceWFAC