1989-01-17: Cessna T207A — Page, AZ

Casualties unknown • Page, AZ, US

Probable cause

IMPROPER IN-FLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION BY THE PILOT AND HIS INADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT (FAILURE TO SEE-AND-AVOID THE OBSTRUCTION). FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE BIRDS, THE PILOT'S EXCESSIVE MANEUVER, AND THE TRANSMISSION LINE.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

DURING A CARGO FLIGHT, THE PILOT WAS FLYING THE AIRPLANE AT ABOUT 500 FT AGL UNDER AN OVERCAST LAYER. A FLOCK OF BIRDS FLEW INTO THE AIRPLANE'S FLIGHT PATH AND THE PILOT TOOK EVASIVE ACTION TO AVOID A COLLISION. AS HE ATTEMPTED TO RESUME NORMAL FLIGHT, THE AIRPLANE WAS IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE TERRAIN. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE VERTICAL STABILIZER COLLIDED WITH A TRANSMISSION WIRE THAT WAS STRETCHED ACROSS A SHALLOW CANYON. THE AIRPLANE YAWED VIOLENTLY, BUT THE PILOT WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL AND LAND AT A NEARBY AIRPORT.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1989-01-17 Cessna T207A accident near Page, AZ?

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1989-01-17 involved a Cessna T207A, registration N6347H, at Page, AZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

IMPROPER IN-FLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION BY THE PILOT AND HIS INADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT (FAILURE TO SEE-AND-AVOID THE OBSTRUCTION). FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE BIRDS, THE PILOT'S EXCESSIVE MANEUVER, AND THE TRANSMISSION LINE.

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