Accident Details
According to the investigation source, the aircraft was observed flying through the top of a tree before striking a four-strand high-voltage power line. The final impact was relatively flat in a soybean field. The pilot later stated that he became disoriented during the flight and hallucinated that he was operating a Piper J-3 aircraft instead of the actual Piper Archer. He reported that he must have lost control and remembered nothing further until he felt the aircraft crashing.
Witness Observations
Witnesses saw the aircraft flying through the tops of small trees and continuing through a small power line before making a 'pancake' landing in an open soybean field. After touchdown, the aircraft slid on its belly for approximately 120 feet before stopping.
Post-Accident Findings
The aircraft was found relatively intact, and the engine ran when tested after the accident. The battery had come loose from its mounting box in the baggage compartment and ended up on the right front cockpit floor. The pilot was found walking outside the aircraft after the accident. He had a sprained ankle and lacerations on his head. The pilot also had a history of medical problems.