Pilot Debrief

AMERICAN AVIATION AA 1A near Maricopa, AZ — 2017-10-21

Final reportWPR18LA014
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Date
2017-10-21
Location
Maricopa, AZ, USA
Airport
2AZ4
Aircraft
AMERICAN AVIATION AA 1A
Registration
N9239L
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to see and avoid unmarked power lines during the approach to land.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was conducting a local personal flight. His son reported that his father was returning to the departure airport when the accident occurred. One witness reported that the airplane “seemed slow and too low” during the approach to land and that it struck power lines near the approach end of the runway. Subsequently, the airplane descended rapidly and impacted the runway. Several other witnesses reported that the airplane impacted unmarked power lines that were above a power line marked with orange guide balls. The pilot did not recall the accident sequence. Postaccident examination of the airplane did not reveal any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Given the witness statements, it is likely that, during the approach to land, the pilot allowed the airplane to drop below the glideslope, and he failed to see and avoid the unmarked power lines that were above the marked power line.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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