Incident Overview
A pilot flying a single-engine aircraft struck unmarked transmission lines and crashed into trees while maneuvering to land at a private airstrip. The accident occurred approximately one mile north of the turf runway threshold.
Flight History
The pilot departed from a small airport near Kingston, Tennessee, in the mid-afternoon and landed at another airport approximately 30 nautical miles to the northeast. After remaining on the ground for 30 to 45 minutes, the pilot departed between 1530 and 1545 local time.
Sequence of Events
According to gathered information, the aircraft was observed flying over the Oak Ridge Airport, located 15 nautical miles west of the departure point, from west to east. The pilot then made a left turn to a low downwind leg and, during a subsequent left turn to final approach, collided with unmarked transmission lines before crashing into trees.
Cockpit and Airport Details
The pilot was flying from the right seat at the time of the accident. The normal traffic pattern for the private airstrip is described as extended across a ridge, with a left turn to base leg and final approach flown through a gap in the mountains. The airport is depicted on the Atlanta VFR chart as a private field not for public use. The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Airport Directory lists obstructions at the field as "hills, mountains, powerlines."
Investigation Status
No further details have been released regarding the cause of the accident.