Pilot Debrief

CHAMPION 7ECA near Salinas, CA — 2009-02-22

Final reportWPR09LA124
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Date
2009-02-22
Location
Salinas, CA, USA
Aircraft
CHAMPION 7ECA
Registration
N2835G
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a wire while intentionally maneuvering at a low altitude.

NTSB narrative

While the pilot was intentionally maneuvering at a low altitude above a river, he struck a set of power lines, which spanned across the river below the tree line. Subsequently, the airplane impacted the water, substantially damaging the right wing and fuselage. Local law enforcement reported three power lines, which spanned the river, were down and a loss of electrical power was reported in the area around the time of the accident. The pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine prior to the accident.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided maneuvering near power lines over the river.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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