Pilot Debrief

Cessna 172 near Latimer, IA — 2009-07-03

Final reportCEN09LA409
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Date
2009-07-03
Location
Latimer, IA, USA
Aircraft
Cessna 172
Registration
N8138B
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the power line while flying at a low altitude.

NTSB narrative

A witness observed the airplane flying at a low altitude when it suddenly descended nose first into terrain. The postaccident examination revealed that the airplane collided with a 70-foot high power line that crossed over the road. No preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures were found that would have prevented normal operation of the airplane.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided low altitude flight near power lines.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents22

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