Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172M near Brookwood, AL — 2024-02-16

Final reportERA24LA114
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Date
2024-02-16
Location
Brookwood, AL, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA 172M
Registration
N9160H
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to see and avoid powerlines while maneuvering at low altitude.

NTSB narrative

Witnesses reported the airplane was flying low over a river with the engine operating at a high rpm when it collided with a set of powerlines about 60-80 ft above the ground. The airplane descended into the river and sank, resulting in substantial damage to the airplane and fatal injury to the pilot. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Although an autopsy of the pilot revealed hypertensive and arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, given the airplane’s low and level flight before the collision a cardiac event was unlikely to have contributed to the accident.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided flying low over the river near powerlines.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 5 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents5

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