Casualties unknown

Pilot drowns after aircraft strikes unmarked power line over Tablerock Lake (N284JD)

Omaha, AR, US

On November 6, 1984, a Piper PA18-150 (registration N284JD) was involved in an aviation accident near Omaha, AR. 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 pilot died of drowning after his aircraft struck an unmarked power line while flying low over Tablerock Lake near a marina, according to witness accounts and autopsy findings.

What happened

Witnesses reported that the aircraft was flying at a low altitude over a section of Tablerock Lake, specifically near a marina. The pilot had expressed intentions to purchase property in the vicinity. During this flight, the aircraft encountered an unmarked power line suspended approximately 85 feet above the water surface. The collision caused the aircraft to strike the water and subsequently sink.

The investigation

Following the recovery of the remains, a medical examination was conducted to determine the cause of death. The autopsy results confirmed that the manner of death was drowning.

Findings

The primary factor in this accident was the collision with an unmarked power line. Drowning was identified as the cause of death for the pilot. No other mechanical failures or weather conditions were cited as contributing factors in the provided source material.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X41638. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.