On July 7, 1985, a Piper PA-32RT-300T (registration N21698) was involved in an aviation accident near Brownsville, TX. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During touch-and-go landing practice, the pilot descended below the proper glide slope, causing the aircraft to hit a power line about 1,000 feet short of the runway and crash on a drainage ditch levee.
Accident Overview
An aircraft was engaged in touch-and-go landing practice when it struck a power line approximately 1,000 feet short of the runway. The impact occurred after the pilot allowed the aircraft to descend below the proper glide slope during final approach. The aircraft subsequently crashed on the side of a drainage ditch levee.
Circumstances
The power line, which was about 10 feet above the height of and located across a road from the levee, was the first obstacle encountered. The pilot reportedly has no memory of events after passing through 400 feet above ground level (AGL).
Post-Accident Information
The investigation did not specify additional details about the aircraft or pilot. No probable cause was listed in the official source.
What happened in the 7 Jul 1985 Piper PA-32RT-300T accident near Brownsville, TX?
During touch-and-go landing practice, the pilot descended below the proper glide slope, causing the aircraft to hit a power line about 1,000 feet short of the runway and crash on a drainage ditch levee.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 7 Jul 1985 involved a Piper PA-32RT-300T, registration N21698, at Brownsville, TX.
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