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NTSB Report
February 8, 2008 · Cessna 172RG · N4726V
Litchfield, IL
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 8, 2008
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Litchfield, IL
Aircraft
Cessna 172RG
Tail Number
N4726V
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI08CA079
The pilot reported that he did not observe any obstacles when he overflew the lake, but noted there was some bird activity in the vicinity. He performed a low altitude pass, approximately 100 feet above the lake, without incident. During a second low altitude pass, the pilot heard a "thump" noise which was immediately followed by a loss of engine power and engine vibration. A forced landing was made in a nearby muddy field, but the airplane nosed over shortly after touchdown. The airplane impacted a static wire that was strung across the lake. The wire, approximately 40 feet above the water, was part of two-wire power transmission line. The airplane's propeller had damage consistent with a wire strike.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot's intentional low altitude flight and his failure to maintain clearance from the static wire. Contributing to the accident were the static wire, the partial loss of engine power due to propeller vibration, and the muddy field in which the forced landing was made.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that he did not observe any obstacles when he overflew the lake, but noted there was some bird activity in the vicinity. He performed a low altitude pass, approximately 100 feet above the lake, without incident. During a second low altitude pass, the pilot heard a "thump" noise which was immediately followed by a loss of engine power and engine vibration. A forced landing was made in a nearby muddy field, but the airplane nosed over shortly after touchdown. The airplane impacted a static wire that was strung across the lake. The wire, approximately 40 feet above the water, was part of two-wire power transmission line. The airplane's propeller had damage consistent with a wire strike.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:05 CST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 172RG
Tail NumberN4726V
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360 · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 19 · Second Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind190° @ 16 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 20000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point45 C / 32 C
Altimeter29.87 inHg
Observation Time17:51
Weather SourceWFAC