CESSNA 172 near Zanesville, OH — 2025-11-24

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a power line during an approach to land.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that while turning from the base leg to final approach, the airplane experienced a sudden loss of altitude and struck a powerline with the main landing gear. The airplane slowed until the wire broke. The pilot then pitched the nose of the airplane down and applied full power, regained control and landed without further incident. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right aileron. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

• Collision during takeoff/land · Approach-VFR pattern base
• Attention / Monitoring

Evidence available

• Photos
• 2 docket documents

Docket documents2

• PILOT/OPERATOR AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT REPORT, NTSB FORM 6120.1form
• INVESTIGATIVE PHOTOGRAPHSphotos

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