Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-11 near Rexburg, ID — 2024-10-19

Final reportWPR25LA021
Sign in to save
Date
2024-10-19
Location
Rexburg, ID, USA
Airport
RXE
Aircraft
PIPER PA-11
Registration
N4846M
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to see and avoid transmission wires during the landing approach.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that he was in a pumpkin drop competition that was being held on a farm field with a new landing strip. The prevailing winds necessitated that the airplanes fly over transmission wires prior to landing. The pilot stated that he dropped his pumpkins, but missed the target by a long distance. During his landing, he flew over one set of power lines and reduced power to descend and land. The airplane inadvertently struck a second, parallel set of wires that he had not seen. The pilot stated that there were no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot was hospitalized for 12 weeks following the accident.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

Related mishaps