No fatalities

Aircraft Strikes Powerline Over River, Comes to Rest on Sandbar (N1960C)

Plain Dealing, LA, US

On May 2, 1982, a Cessna 170B (registration N1960C) operated by James L. Arntson was involved in an aviation accident near Plain Dealing, LA. No fatalities were reported. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft struck powerlines while flying low over a river, coming to rest on a sandbar. The passenger reported they had obtained fuel and were sightseeing. Both occupants escaped the burning wreckage.

Incident

According to the investigation, the aircraft was observed flying over a river at low altitude when it struck a powerline. The aircraft subsequently came to rest on a sandbar. The pilot was unable to recall anything about the flight after the takeoff.

Witness Accounts

A passenger on board reported that they had flown to Springhill to obtain 80 octane fuel. While returning, the pilot was showing him some sights. They were flying down the river when the aircraft struck the powerlines.

Aftermath

The passenger released his seat belt and crawled out with an injured back. He saw the pilot in front of the aircraft and pulled the pilot away from the burning wreckage.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 May 1982 Cessna 170B accident near Plain Dealing, LA?

An aircraft struck powerlines while flying low over a river, coming to rest on a sandbar. The passenger reported they had obtained fuel and were sightseeing. Both occupants escaped the burning wreckage.

Were there any fatalities in the 2 May 1982 Cessna 170B accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 May 1982 involved a Cessna 170B, registration N1960C, operated by James L. Arntson, at Plain Dealing, LA.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X03506. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.