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April 26, 2021 · Textron Aviation 208B · N143CA

Laceyville, PA

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 26, 2021
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (5 uninjured)
Location
Laceyville, PA
Aircraft
Textron Aviation 208B (2019)
Tail Number
N143CA
Operator
Haugland Group Aviation
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA21LA193

The two pilots and the three passengers were enroute to a business meeting in the amphibious airplane when they encountered clouds and turbulence. The pilot, copilot, and passengers described that the pilot descended to a lower altitude and flew along a riverbed, at times at an altitude that was below the surrounding trees and terrain. The pilot stated that he next planned on doing a touch-and-go landing on the river to entertain the passengers. One of the passengers said that while flying along the river, the pilots were concerned about hitting powerlines and had to maneuver to prevent hitting them and a bridge. Shortly after, as the pilots were following a sharp bend in the river while looking for a place to conduct a touch-and-go landing, the airplane’s right wing stuck a power line. The airplane’s right wing and aileron were substantially damaged, though the damage did not prohibit the airplane from being able to fly, and the pilot characterized that the airplane felt out of trim and “a little heavier on one side.” The flight continued towards their destination and a subsequent conversation ensued between the pilot and the passengers, asking if the meeting could be missed, and if they should return to their departure airport, about 45 minutes away. The decision was made to return to the departure airport where the airplane landed without further incident. The pilot elected not to perform a precautionary landing at a nearby airport nor declare an emergency because the airplane appeared to be performing well. The operator stated there were no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane that contributed to the accident. Further, the operator did not have any guidance or policies relating to low-altitude maneuvering with passengers onboard.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s improper decision to conduct a low altitude flight and his failure to see and avoid powerlines. Contributing was the operator’s lack of safety guidance or a safety policy for low-altitude operations.

Full Narrative

The two pilots and the three passengers were enroute to a business meeting in the amphibious airplane when they encountered clouds and turbulence. The pilot, copilot, and passengers described that the pilot descended to a lower altitude and flew along a riverbed, at times at an altitude that was below the surrounding trees and terrain. The pilot stated that he next planned on doing a touch-and-go landing on the river to entertain the passengers. One of the passengers said that while flying along the river, the pilots were concerned about hitting powerlines and had to maneuver to prevent hitting them and a bridge. Shortly after, as the pilots were following a sharp bend in the river while looking for a place to conduct a touch-and-go landing, the airplane’s right wing stuck a power line. The airplane’s right wing and aileron were substantially damaged, though the damage did not prohibit the airplane from being able to fly, and the pilot characterized that the airplane felt out of trim and “a little heavier on one side.” The flight continued towards their destination and a subsequent conversation ensued between the pilot and the passengers, asking if the meeting could be missed, and if they should return to their departure airport, about 45 minutes away. The decision was made to return to the departure airport where the airplane landed without further incident. The pilot elected not to perform a precautionary landing at a nearby airport nor declare an emergency because the airplane appeared to be performing well. The operator stated there were no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane that contributed to the accident. Further, the operator did not have any guidance or policies relating to low-altitude maneuvering with passengers onboard.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:45 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftTextron Aviation 208B
Tail NumberN143CA
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorHaugland Group Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboprop
Engine DetailsP&W · PT6-A-140 · Turboprop · 1018
Seats12

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (5 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured5
Total5
Crew 1Age 55 · First Class · None
Crew 2Age 29 · First Class · None
Crew 3None
Crew 4None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind360° @ 15 kt, gusting 21 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point39 C / 23 C
Altimeter30.09 inHg
Observation Time08:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data