Pilot Debrief

RICHMOND JIM R CCK-1865 near Dubois, WY — 2011-08-12

Final reportWPR11CA399
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Date
2011-08-12
Location
Dubois, WY, USA
Aircraft
RICHMOND JIM R CCK-1865
Registration
N56WY
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a wire during cruise flight.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, during the daytime in visual meteorological conditions, he was in cruise flight at an altitude of about 300 feet above ground level when he heard a loud bang followed by a shudder in the airplane. The pilot said he gained altitude and noticed damage to a radio antenna and noted that the controls felt "mushy," but the airplane remained flyable. The pilot then diverted to the nearest airport, landed, and observed structural damage to the left wing and rudder. Postaccident examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed evidence of wire striations on the left wing and rudder. Damage to the left wing, which included multiple separated vortex generators and paint scuffing on the top area of the outboard left wing, was consistent with an in-flight collision with a radio antenna wire. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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