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Cargo Flight Encounters Bird Strike and Transmission Wire Collision (N6347H)

Page, AZ, US

On January 17, 1989, a Cessna T207A (registration N6347H) was involved in an aviation accident near Page, AZ. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: 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. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a cargo flight under an overcast layer, a pilot took evasive action to avoid a flock of birds, then struck a transmission wire with the vertical stabilizer while close to terrain. The pilot maintained control and landed safely.

Incident Overview

A cargo flight encountered multiple hazards during a low-altitude operation. The pilot was flying the airplane at approximately 500 feet above ground level under an overcast sky when a flock of birds entered the aircraft's flight path. The pilot initiated evasive maneuvers to avoid a collision with the birds.

Sequence of Events

As the pilot attempted to return to normal flight after the evasive action, the airplane had become dangerously close to the surrounding terrain. Shortly thereafter, the vertical stabilizer made contact with a transmission wire that was strung across a shallow canyon. The collision caused the airplane to yaw violently, but the pilot managed to retain control of the aircraft.

Outcome

Despite the dramatic yawing motion, the pilot was able to maintain control of the airplane and proceeded to land at a nearby airport without further incident. No injuries or damage to the aircraft beyond the reported wire strike were detailed in the source.

Frequently asked questions

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

During a cargo flight under an overcast layer, a pilot took evasive action to avoid a flock of birds, then struck a transmission wire with the vertical stabilizer while close to terrain. The pilot maintained control and landed safely.

Were there any fatalities in the 17 Jan 1989 Cessna T207A accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Jan 1989 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.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X27611. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.