Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary GAA18CA533

Cut Bank, MT, USA

Aircraft #1

N95514

Taylorcraft BC12

Analysis

The pilot reported that, while flying west to check some fields and circle a friend's house, he began a right, descending turn about 200 ft above ground level. He added that he was aware of power wires in the area, but the sun was in his eyes, and the airplane was lower than he thought. The airplane struck power wires and then impacted terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Factual Information

The pilot reported that, while flying west to check some fields and circle a friend's house, he began a right, descending turn about 200 ft above ground. He added that he was aware of power wires in the area, but the sun was in his eyes and the airplane was lower than he thought. The airplane struck power wires and the airplane impacted terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot’s failure to see and avoid power wires while maneuvering at low altitude. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inability to determine the airplane’s altitude due to sun glare.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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