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Casualties unknown

Aircraft Collides with Unmarked Power Line During Message Drop (N28MB)

Essex, CA, US

On January 7, 1987, a Cessna 182Q (registration N28MB) operated by Carrol W. Kibler was involved in an aviation accident near Essex, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from an unmarked electrical power line during a low-altitude message drop maneuver. 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 2026-06-20Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft collided with unmarked electrical wires during a low-altitude message drop operation, resulting in a crash into railroad infrastructure and the ground.

What happened

The pilot was operating an aircraft with the specific intent of delivering a message to a recipient on the ground. Upon reaching the designated destination area, the pilot initiated a descent to execute the delivery. The flight path selected by the pilot was oriented perpendicular to a set of electrical power lines that stood 55 feet tall. These structures were unmarked and lacked any visible aviation warning devices.

During the low pass required for the message drop, the aircraft struck the electrical wires. The impact caused the aircraft to lose controlled flight. It subsequently descended into a cluster of railroad signal equipment and additional electrical wiring before finally colliding with the ground.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the circumstances surrounding the collision with the unmarked infrastructure. Key findings included the height of the power line relative to the aircraft's flight path and the lack of visual markers that might have alerted the pilot to the hazard during the low-altitude operation.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from an unmarked electrical power line during a low-altitude message drop maneuver.
Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 Jan 1987 Cessna 182Q accident near Essex, CA?

An aircraft collided with unmarked electrical wires during a low-altitude message drop operation, resulting in a crash into railroad infrastructure and the ground.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 Jan 1987 involved a Cessna 182Q, registration N28MB, operated by Carrol W. Kibler, at Essex, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from an unmarked electrical power line during a low-altitude message drop maneuver.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X30083. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.