Pilot Debrief

MAULE MX-7-235 near Boulder, MT — 2008-05-23

Final reportLAX08LA154
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Date
2008-05-23
Location
Boulder, MT, USA
Aircraft
MAULE MX-7-235
Registration
N5657Y
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to continue flight at low altitude in instrument weather conditions and his failure to maintain clearance from a power line. Contributing to the accident were low cloud and visibility conditions.

NTSB narrative

The pilot received a weather briefing prior to departing on a cross-country personal flight. The weather briefer informed the pilot that a visual flight rules flight was not recommended along his intended route due to low ceilings, limited visibilities, and precipitation. While following an interstate highway at low altitude, the airplane collided with high-tension power lines that crossed the interstate, and came to rest in trees approximately 130 yards northwest of the lines. Fog, low clouds, snow, and rain were present in the area of the accident site both before and after the accident. The surviving passenger reported that no engine or airframe malfunctions were encountered during the flight.

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

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