Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
the pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude/clearance from obstacles (power lines) in his flight path.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On August 13, 1995, at 1950 eastern daylight time, a Birdman Enterprises, Inc. Chinook 2S ultralight, N35KK, sustained substantial damage when it struck powerlines and descended into a creek near Hammondsville, Ohio. The certificated private pilot received serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local pleasure flight, no flight plan was filed. The flight operated under 14 CFR Part 91, and originated from Toronto, Ohio, at 1900 eastern daylight time.
The pilot reported that during the accident flight he was "...following the course of Yellow Creek just to enjoy the beauty of it...below the elevation of the hills on either side of the creek... ." He stated that he was looking for towers that would indicate the presence of power lines, but he "...did not see any before I collided with a 69000 volt power line that crossed my path." The airplane impacted the wire, then dropped to the ground, and came to rest in the creek. The pilot reported that there were no restrictions to visibility, and recommended that "Power lines be made more visible."
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# BFO95LA085