Pilot Debrief

AMERICAN AVIATION AA1 near Lake Placid, FL — 2009-11-03

Final reportERA10CA046
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Date
2009-11-03
Location
Lake Placid, FL, USA
Aircraft
AMERICAN AVIATION AA1
Registration
N7266L
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a power line.

NTSB narrative

During a local sightseeing flight, the pilot descended through an altitude of 1,000 feet to be able to see a waterway below him. As the pilot performed the low flight maneuver, the airplane impacted a power line, causing the vertical stabilizer to separate from the airplane. The pilot reported experiencing resistance and a vibration with the airplane, followed by a loss of control. He was able to subsequently perform a forced landing straight ahead, during which the airplane sustained damage to the nose gear and to the rudder. A witness stated that he heard a low flying airplane, followed by a loud noise similar to a "pop," and then he observed the airplane dragging a cable. Examination of the accident site by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, revealed the vertical stabilizer, with 150 feet of power line still attached. It was located approximately 300 feet aft of the wreckage. No pre-impact malfunctions were reported by the pilot or identified during the post-accident examination.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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