What happened
The incident occurred during the arrival phase of flight at dusk. The pilot was conducting an approach to runway 9 when encountering a headwind of 19 knots, with gusts reaching up to 30 knots. While established on the final approach segment, the aircraft collided with power lines situated near the approach end of the runway.
The pilot reported that he did not see the power lines until just prior to impact. Upon noticing the obstruction, he attempted to maneuver the aircraft underneath them but was unable to avoid the collision. The accident resulted in damage to the tail section, wings, and the front of the aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the circumstances surrounding the collision with the power lines during the final approach. Examination of the aircraft revealed significant structural damage consistent with the impact. The pilot's account indicated a failure to detect the wires in time to execute an avoidance maneuver, despite the relatively low altitude typical of final approach.
Findings
Contributing factors included the reduced visibility associated with dusk conditions and the presence of power lines near the runway threshold. The headwind and gusting winds may have affected the pilot's ability to maintain proper glide path awareness. The failure to see the wires until the last moment suggests that visual acquisition was compromised by lighting conditions or attentional factors.
Safety message
Pilots should be aware of potential obstacles near runway ends, especially during low-light conditions such as dusk. Enhanced situational awareness and adherence to approach procedures are critical to avoiding collisions with terrain or man-made structures.