PIPER J3C-65 near Selma, NC — 2013-05-09

Probable cause

The instructor pilot’s inadequate visual lookout, which resulted in a collision with power lines and then the ground.

NTSB narrative

According to the instructor pilot, he was at the airplane controls while he demonstrated a touch and go landing with the student pilot. He stated that the airplane collided with unmarked power lines during an attempt to land on an undesignated grass strip. The airplane came to rest on the ground inverted. Examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the airplane fuselage and empennage. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

• Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT) · Approach-VFR pattern final

Evidence available

• Photos
• 5 docket documents

Docket documents5

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• PHoto 2: Wire damage to left main landing gear. (Courtesy of the FAA)photos
• Photo 1: Overview of wreckage. (Courtesy of the FAA)photos
• Reports from Local Agenciesreport
• Weather Reports and Recordsreport

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