On July 21, 1984, a Beech C23 (registration N18355) operated by Stevens Aviation,inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Gainesboro, TN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to see and avoid a static wire while flying at low altitude along a river corridor. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft struck a static wire while flying low along a river, causing fuel leakage that ignited upon landing at the airport. The pilot reported failing to see the wires until just before impact.
What happened
The aircraft was operating along a river corridor when it collided with a static wire. The incident occurred at an altitude of approximately 350 feet above ground level, located about five miles northeast of the airport. Upon impact, the left wing struck the wire, which cut into the structure and penetrated a fuel cell. Fuel escaped from the damaged compartment as the aircraft continued to the airport.
Upon landing at the airport, the leaked fuel ignited, resulting in a fire. Airport fire fighters responded to the scene and extinguished the blaze. The pilot stated that he did not see the static wires until just before the collision occurred.
Findings
The aircraft sustained structural damage to the left wing from the wire impact.
Fuel exhaustion was not the primary cause, but fuel leakage led to a post-crash fire.
The pilot reported inadequate visual acquisition of the hazard prior to impact.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to see and avoid a static wire while flying at low altitude along a river corridor.