Casualties unknown

1986-05-11: Cessna 175 (N7027M) — Jim Kapeller — Louisburg, KS

Louisburg, KS, US

On May 11, 1986, a Cessna 175 (registration N7027M) operated by Jim Kapeller was involved in an aviation accident near Louisburg, KS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot forgot about the power lines and failed to pull up during the fly-by. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During a fly-by over a private airstrip, an aircraft contacted power lines, substantially damaging the vertical and horizontal stabilizers. The pilot reported forgetting about the lines and failing to pull up. The aircraft continued to another airstrip and landed.

Event

An aircraft conducting a fly-by over a private airstrip struck power lines bordering the south end of the strip. The pilot stated he had forgotten about the power lines and reported that he failed to pull up during the pass, instead flying under the wires. The lines were contacted by the aircraft, which caused damage to the tail surfaces.

Damage

The impact with the power lines substantially damaged both the vertical and horizontal stabilizers of the aircraft. Despite this damage, the aircraft remained controllable and continued flight to another private airstrip, where a landing was performed without further incident.

Pilot's Account

The pilot, who owned the private airstrip, was observing the runway surface from the air because the strip had recently been seeded. During the low pass, he neglected to account for the power lines that border the south end of his property. He reported that he failed to execute a pull-up and inadvertently flew under the wires, resulting in the collision.

Probable cause

The pilot forgot about the power lines and failed to pull up during the fly-by.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X33654. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.