Summary
On February 09, 2013, a Piper PA-28-140 (N6726J) was involved in an accident near Sunnyside, WA. The accident resulted in 2 minor injuries. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot’s inadequate vigilance while maneuvering at low altitude and his subsequent failure to maintain clearance from power lines.
Neither the pilot nor the pilot rated passenger has provided written statements as to the circumstances of the accident. Witnesses in the local area of the accident reported that the airplane was maneuvering over a freeway when it struck a series of power lines (approximately 45 feet above ground level) and subsequently impacted terrain. One witness reported that the airplane was maneuvering “extremely low” to the ground and appeared to do several low turns and dives. The witness stated the airplane was so low, he could see the passenger’s face through the right front window. The wings, empennage and fuselage were substantially damaged.
This accident is documented in NTSB report WPR13CA121. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N6726J.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot’s inadequate vigilance while maneuvering at low altitude and his subsequent failure to maintain clearance from power lines.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
Neither the pilot nor the pilot rated passenger has provided written statements as to the circumstances of the accident. Witnesses in the local area of the accident reported that the airplane was maneuvering over a freeway when it struck a series of power lines (approximately 45 feet above ground level) and subsequently impacted terrain. One witness reported that the airplane was maneuvering “extremely low” to the ground and appeared to do several low turns and dives. The witness stated the airplane was so low, he could see the passenger’s face through the right front window. The wings, empennage and fuselage were substantially damaged.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR13CA121