Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's inadequate visual lookout while maneuvering to avoid a flock of birds shortly after takeoff, resulting in the aircraft colliding with a wire. A factor in the accident was the pilot's fatigue after having worked everyday for the previous 3 weeks.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On July 2, 2000, about 1400 eastern daylight time, a Beech 65-A90, N983K, registered to Silver Lining Service, Inc., collided with wires during takeoff from Lake Wales Municipal Airport, Lake Wales, Florida, while on a Title 14 CFR Part 91 parachute flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The aircraft received substantial damage and the commercial-rated pilot and six parachutists were not injured. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.
The pilot stated he took off on runway 6. After takeoff he raised the landing gear and then had to take evasive action to the right to avoid a flock of birds. As he performed the evasive maneuver, he raised the flaps. The aircraft was slow, and he kept the nose down to build up speed for the climb. Just as he was to commence the climb, he caught a glimpse of a wire ahead. He pulled up rapidly, but contacted the wire with the right wing. The wire broke. He entered downwind and landed on runway 6. The pilot stated that he was fatigued, frustrated, and disappointed after he had worked straight for the previous 3 weeks, and had been unable to get a day off.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# MIA00LA205