On August 29, 1982, a Cessna 183P (registration N91MR) operated by Spearman Flying Club was involved in an aviation accident near Spearman, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain visual contact with an unlighted power line during a night approach, which resulted in a collision and subsequent loss of control. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot encountered a downdraft on final approach at night and added power, causing the nose gear to strike an unlighted power line and pitch over.
What happened
The pilot reported that during a night landing operation, the aircraft was established on final approach when it encountered a downdraft. In an attempt to arrest the descent rate, the pilot applied additional engine power. As the power setting increased, the nose gear struck and severed a power line. The impact caused the aircraft to pitch over violently before crashing.
Findings
The investigation revealed that the power lines involved in the accident were marked with only one ball and were not lighted. This lack of adequate marking and illumination likely contributed to the pilot's inability to see the obstruction during the night approach.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain visual contact with an unlighted power line during a night approach, which resulted in a collision and subsequent loss of control.
What happened in the 29 Aug 1982 Cessna 183P accident near Spearman, TX?
A pilot encountered a downdraft on final approach at night and added power, causing the nose gear to strike an unlighted power line and pitch over.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 29 Aug 1982 involved a Cessna 183P, registration N91MR, operated by Spearman Flying Club, at Spearman, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain visual contact with an unlighted power line during a night approach, which resulted in a collision and subsequent loss of control.
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