What happened
The aircraft was engaged in an aerial search operation for a missing person when it encountered significant hazards associated with nearby power infrastructure. During this phase of flight, the pilot maneuvered the aircraft directly into the sun, which likely compromised visual acuity and depth perception. At an altitude of approximately 159 feet above ground level, the aircraft struck one of two static cables belonging to a power transmission array.
Following the initial contact with the cable, the aircraft lost control and descended rapidly until it made contact with the ground. The power lines were attached to towers situated on high terrain located on either side of a four-lane highway, creating a challenging environment for low-altitude flight operations.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the circumstances surrounding the collision with the power transmission infrastructure. Key findings indicated that the aircraft had successfully contacted one of the static cables before continuing its descent to impact with the ground. The location of the towers on elevated terrain relative to the highway was identified as a critical factor in the accident sequence.
Findings
The primary contributing factors to this accident include the pilot's decision to fly into direct sunlight during low-altitude operations and the subsequent failure to detect the static cables. The high terrain surrounding the power transmission array further complicated visibility conditions. The aircraft's contact with the cable resulted in an uncontrolled descent and ground impact.