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September 12, 2010 · Goodman Robert Bruce RV-4 · N311U

Gainesville, GA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 12, 2010
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Gainesville, GA
Aircraft
Goodman Robert Bruce RV-4
Tail Number
N311U
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA10CA476

According to the pilot, while on a cross country flight he decided to descend and overfly a lake. While maneuvering over the lake with the setting sun at low level, the right main landing gear struck a marked power line, about 70 feet above the lake's surface; the right landing gear separated and broke an engine mount on the airplane. The pilot immediately turned the airplane toward a nearby airport and performed a forced landing. The left main landing gear collapsed on landing and the firewall sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. A witness stated that the power lines were marked by orange balls, while the pilot stated that the balls were red and dark. When asked how the accident could have been prevented, the pilot stated that yellow or white balls would have been easier to see.

NTSB Probable Cause

Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Wire-Awareness of condition - C

Full Narrative

According to the pilot, while on a cross country flight, he descended and overflew a lake along his route of flight. Flying into the setting sun at low level over the lake, the right main landing gear struck a marked power line, about 70 feet above the lake's surface, which separated the right landing gear and broke an engine mount on the airplane. The pilot turned "immediately" for a nearby airport and completed the forced landing which collapsed the left main landing gear and damaged the firewall. The pilot reported there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane. A witness stated that the power lines were marked by orange balls, while the pilot stated that the balls were red and "dark." When asked how the accident could have been prevented, the pilot stated that "yellow or white balls would have been easier to see."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:23 EDT
Nearest AirportLee Gilmer Memorial Airport (0nm)
Runway23
Runway Length5500 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftGoodman Robert Bruce RV-4
Tail NumberN311U
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsAma/Expr · UNKNOWN ENG · Reciprocating
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 65 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind340° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55
Altimeter30.02 inHg
Observation Time20:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data