Accident Overview
An aircraft collided with a powerline static wire during an instrument landing system (ILS) approach. The private pilot, who held an instrument rating, had received a weather briefing and filed an IFR flight plan. During the briefing, the pilot commented to the briefer that "it doesn't sound too good" and indicated he would call again in about an hour. Approximately one and a half hours later, he air-filed an IFR flight plan.
Sequence of Events
Upon reaching the destination airport, the pilot was cleared for the ILS approach and was subsequently cleared to land after reporting the outer marker. No further radio transmissions were received from the pilot. Radar data indicated the aircraft was on the centerline and descending to 400 feet above ground level about one mile from the end of the runway.
Witnesses observed the aircraft at low altitude and saw it collide with the powerline. One witness reported seeing a blue arc after the collision, while three witnesses reported an explosive sound and black smoke following the impact.
Environmental and Equipment Factors
The visibility at the time was described as one to two miles. The powerline wire that was struck was located 78 feet above ground level (149 feet mean sea level). The decision height for the ILS landing procedure was 329 feet, with a minimum visibility requirement of one mile. The ILS system had been used successfully just prior to the accident.
Pilot Actions
No information is available regarding the pilot's actions after the collision, as there were no further communications from the aircraft.