Pilot Debrief

STINSON 108-3 near Regent, ND — 2022-12-03

Final reportCEN23LA058
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Date
2022-12-03
Location
Regent, ND, USA
Aircraft
STINSON 108-3
Registration
N7659X
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot failed to maintain clearance from high tension wires while maneuvering at low altitude.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that while maneuvering the airplane at low altitude to observe sculptures on the ground, he did not see the high-tension wires due to diverted attention and the setting sun. The airplane collided with the wires, the vertical stabilizer sheared off, and the engine seized. Subsequently, the airplane impacted terrain. The empennage and left wing sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operations.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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