On July 16, 1983, a Piper PA-28 (registration N5492W) was involved in an aviation accident near Columbia, CA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A aircraft contacted a powerline 100 ft above water at New Mellones Reservoir, then landed at Columbia, CA. Inspection revealed damage to the vertical stabilizer and rudder.
Incident Overview
An aircraft struck a powerline suspended 100 feet above the water at New Mellones Reservoir. The pilot subsequently landed the aircraft at Columbia, California, without further incident.
Damage Assessment
A post-flight inspection of the aircraft revealed that the top portion of the vertical stabilizer was missing and the rudder had been torn backward.
Pilot and Utility Company Statements
The pilot reported that he was flying at an altitude of 600 feet above the water at the time of the incident. However, the electric company responsible for the powerlines confirmed that the lines were positioned 100 feet above the water's surface.
What happened in the 16 Jul 1983 Piper PA-28 accident near Columbia, CA?
A aircraft contacted a powerline 100 ft above water at New Mellones Reservoir, then landed at Columbia, CA. Inspection revealed damage to the vertical stabilizer and rudder.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 16 Jul 1983 involved a Piper PA-28, registration N5492W, at Columbia, CA.
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