Summary
On July 23, 1998, a Champion 7GCBC (N21262) was involved in an accident near Clearwater, MN. The accident resulted in 1 minor injury. The aircraft was destroyed.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The inadequate visual lookout by the pilot-in-command. The unmarked transmission wire was a contributing factor.
On July 23, 1998, at 1507 central daylight time, a Champion 7GCBC, N21262, operated by a private pilot, was destroyed when it impacted water following an inflight collision with power lines near Clearwater, Minnesota. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was not operating on a flight plan. The pilot received minor injuries. The local flight departed a private airstrip near St. Cloud, Minnesota at 1415.
In a written statement, the pilot reported that he was heading southbound at 75' agl while sightseeing over the Mississippi river when he impacted power lines in level flight. The power lines were unmarked and were not depicted on the current sectional chart, which the pilot had consulted prior to flight.
This accident is documented in NTSB report CHI98LA273. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N21262.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The inadequate visual lookout by the pilot-in-command. The unmarked transmission wire was a contributing factor.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On July 23, 1998, at 1507 central daylight time, a Champion 7GCBC, N21262, operated by a private pilot, was destroyed when it impacted water following an inflight collision with power lines near Clearwater, Minnesota. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was not operating on a flight plan. The pilot received minor injuries. The local flight departed a private airstrip near St. Cloud, Minnesota at 1415.
In a written statement, the pilot reported that he was heading southbound at 75' agl while sightseeing over the Mississippi river when he impacted power lines in level flight. The power lines were unmarked and were not depicted on the current sectional chart, which the pilot had consulted prior to flight. The pilot added that the power line poles are obscured by trees along the shoreline, making them extremely difficult, if not impossible, to be seen in flight. In a telephone conversation, the pilot reported that the flight controls and engine were operating normally at the time of the accident.
The Twin Cites Sectional Aeronautical Chart states, "CAUTION: This chart is primarily designed for VFR navigational purposes and does not purport to indicate the presence of all telephone, telegraph and power transmission lines, terrain or obstacles which may be encountered below reasonable and safe altitudes".
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI98LA273