N1845A

On October 21, 1995, at 0945 hours Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-22, N1845A, collided with three utility transmission lines while on landing approach to a dirt road on a private ranch near Battle Mountain, Nevada. The aircraft was substantially damaged and the private pilot received minor injuries. The aircraft was privately owned and operated. The personal flight originated from a private ranch near Horseshoe Bend, Idaho, at 0830. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan had been filed.

The pilot told investigators from the FAA's Reno Flight Standards District Office that prior to takeoff he had talked with the ranch owner who had advised him of two possible landing sites on the ranch. Upon arrival, the pilot visually confirmed that the main road was too rough and elected to land on the smaller road. He stated that he determined that surface winds were from the northwest and therefore, established a base leg for an approach to the west. As he rolled out on final approach, he noticed that the road had a slight bend and began to focus his attention on his touchdown point. As he continued his approach, he looked at the instrument panel to check his airspeed, and as he did so, the aircraft struck the utility lines that ran perpendicular to the road.

According to a Lander County Sheriff's Deputy, the aircraft severed three, 3/8-inch diameter utility lines suspended 30 feet above the road. It then continued to travel west an additional 140 feet before impacting on the road surface in a flat attitude. All three landing gear collapsed and the aircraft slid off the roadway to the left, striking a barbed wire fence with the left wing struts. The aircraft came to rest 240 feet beyond the utility lines.