Casualties unknown

Student Pilot Fatality in Power Line Collision (N5533Z)

NR Jackpot, NV, US

On August 14, 1983, a Piper PA-22-108 (registration N5533Z) operated by Kent Powers was involved in an aviation accident near NR Jackpot, NV. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's impairment due to alcohol consumption, which led to loss of control while maneuvering under a power line. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot with an expired certificate and a blood alcohol level of 0.202% crashed into the ground while maneuvering under a power line.

What happened

Prior to the accident, the aircraft was observed maneuvering in the vicinity of the site. Subsequently, the aircraft collided with the ground while it was being flown under a 40 ft power line. Both occupants held student pilot certificates that had expired at the time of the event. One of the occupants was the owner of the aircraft and was presumed to have been the pilot-in-command.

The investigation

Post-accident testing revealed significant impairment among the crew. The blood alcohol level of the presumed pilot-in-command was measured at 0.202%. This level is well above the legal limit for operating an aircraft and indicates severe intoxication.

Findings

The crash resulted in fatal injuries for the occupants involved. The primary factors contributing to the accident included the operation of the aircraft under a power line, the use of expired pilot certificates by both occupants, and the high blood alcohol concentration of the pilot-in-command.

Probable cause

The pilot's impairment due to alcohol consumption, which led to loss of control while maneuvering under a power line.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X44352. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.