On November 5, 1985, a Piper PA-38-112 (registration N2468F) was involved in an aviation accident near Orrick, MO. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A student pilot practicing simulated forced landing struck a high-voltage power line and then the ground, resulting in the aircraft flipping inverted.
Incident Overview
A student pilot was conducting a briefing to practice stalls, slow flight, 720-degree turns, and simulated forced landings. Special instructions were given for the pilot not to descend below 500 feet above ground level (AGL) during the simulated forced landing exercises.
Sequence of Events
During one simulated forced landing, the aircraft's propeller and vertical tail struck a lower strand of a five-strand high-voltage power line. Subsequently, the aircraft struck the ground and flipped forward to an inverted position.
Aircraft Damage
The aircraft sustained damage from the power line strike and the subsequent ground impact. The propeller and vertical tail were specifically noted as having contacted the power line.