Pilot Debrief

BELLANCA 7GCBC near Juntura, OR — 2015-05-14

Final reportWPR15FA161
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Date
2015-05-14
Location
Juntura, OR, USA
Aircraft
BELLANCA 7GCBC
Registration
N5042P
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to see and avoid power lines while intentionally maneuvering at low altitude for the aerial observation flight.

NTSB narrative

The private pilot was flying his airplane in visual meteorological conditions in support of a cattle drive. A witness observed the airplane complete three to four passes before impacting power lines at an altitude about 100 ft above ground level. The witness reported that the engine sounded normal leading up to the impact, and a postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided wires by altering flight path during maneuvering.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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