On April 26, 1987, a Piper PA-28-181 (registration N1145Q) operated by Proflight, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Valley, NE. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to conduct low-altitude flight operations that resulted in the aircraft striking power lines and crashing into the Platte River. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 6 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Witnesses observed the aircraft making several low passes over the Platte River near Valley, Nebraska, before striking power lines and crashing into the water. The wreckage was recovered from the main channel.
What happened
Approximately at 20:20 Central Daylight Time, witnesses observed an aircraft making several low passes over the Platte River in the vicinity of Valley, Nebraska. During the final pass, the aircraft struck overhead power lines and subsequently crashed into the river. The wreckage came to rest in the main channel of the river, submerged in approximately 25 feet of water.
The investigation
A physical examination of the recovered wreckage revealed that the right wing and the top section of the aircraft had impacted the power lines. Analysis of the impact points indicated that if the aircraft had been approximately 2.5 feet lower in altitude, it would have cleared below the cables without contact.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to conduct low-altitude flight operations that resulted in the aircraft striking power lines and crashing into the Platte River.
What happened in the 26 Apr 1987 Piper PA-28-181 accident near Valley, NE?
Witnesses observed the aircraft making several low passes over the Platte River near Valley, Nebraska, before striking power lines and crashing into the water. The wreckage was recovered from the main channel.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 26 Apr 1987 involved a Piper PA-28-181, registration N1145Q, operated by Proflight, Inc., at Valley, NE.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's decision to conduct low-altitude flight operations that resulted in the aircraft striking power lines and crashing into the Platte River.
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