FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Aircraft Collides with Unmarked Telephone Wire Over Dried Lake Bed (N12497)

Clarksdale, MS, US

On March 28, 1987, a Cessna 172M (registration N12497) operated by Jack Wall Aviation,inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Clarksdale, MS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from an unmarked telephone wire while flying at a low altitude over a dried lake bed. 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 2026-06-22Data APIEditorial standards

During low-altitude flight over a dried lake bed, the aircraft struck an unmarked telephone wire. The pilot executed a forced landing in a nearby field and later departed for the original airport.

What happened

The pilot was conducting flight operations at a low altitude over a dried-up lake bed when the aircraft encountered an obstacle. Specifically, the airframe collided with an unmarked telephone wire. Following this impact, the pilot determined that a safe return to the departure airport was not immediately possible and elected to land in a nearby field.

After bringing the aircraft down safely in the field, the damage was inspected. The assessment of the condition indicated that the aircraft remained airworthy despite the collision. Consequently, the pilot decided to take off from the field and proceed back to the original departure airport. The flight concluded with a landing at that airport without any further incidents or complications.

The investigation

Post-accident inspection of the damaged aircraft was conducted in the field where it had been forced down. This examination confirmed the nature of the impact but did not reveal any mechanical failures unrelated to the collision itself.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from an unmarked telephone wire while flying at a low altitude over a dried lake bed.
Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Mar 1987 Cessna 172M accident near Clarksdale, MS?

During low-altitude flight over a dried lake bed, the aircraft struck an unmarked telephone wire. The pilot executed a forced landing in a nearby field and later departed for the original airport.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Mar 1987 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N12497, operated by Jack Wall Aviation,inc., at Clarksdale, MS.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from an unmarked telephone wire while flying at a low altitude over a dried lake bed.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X30516. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.