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NTSB Report
May 25, 2015 · Piper PA 25-260 260 · N4793Y
Casselton, ND
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 25, 2015
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Casselton, ND
Aircraft
Piper PA 25-260 260 (1968)
Tail Number
N4793Y
Operator
William R Dittmer
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA15CA090
During an interview with the Aviation Safety Inspector from the Federal Aviation Administration, the pilot told the inspector that he was heading back to the airport when he became distracted, looked down at the floor and then looked up just in time to see the wire. The airplane struck power transmission line wires at about 73 feet above the ground. The left wing impacted the ground about 290 feet from the power transmission line wires in the direction of travel, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage, both wings, and empennage. The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to monitor the flight environment for adequate terrain/obstacle clearance, which resulted in the inflight collision with power transmission line wires.
Full Narrative
During an interview with the Aviation Safety Inspector from the Federal Aviation Administration, the pilot told the inspector that he was heading back to the airport when he became distracted, looked down at the floor and then looked up just in time to see the wire. The airplane struck power transmission line wires at about 73 feet above the ground. The left wing impacted the ground about 290 feet from the power transmission line wires in the direction of travel, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage, both wings, and empennage. The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:50 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA 25-260 260
Tail NumberN4793Y
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorWilliam R Dittmer
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-G2A5 · Reciprocating · 260
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 70 · Second Class · Minor
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind30° @ 11 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 7000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 57
Altimeter29.77 inHg
Observation Time17:53
Weather SourceWFAC