Accident Overview
A Cessna 172 aircraft struck a telephone wire while conducting a simulated forced landing approach to an open field approximately 8 miles west of Rio Vista, California. The private pilot, who was demonstrating the procedure to passengers, lost control of the airplane after the wire caught the right side of the horizontal stabilizer. The aircraft subsequently collided with terrain.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, he was showing his passengers a simulated forced landing approach to an open field. During the descent, both pilots and the passenger observed a telephone wire in their flight path at an altitude of about 75 feet above ground level. The private pilot was unable to avoid the wire. The main landing gear cleared the wire, but the right side of the horizontal stabilizer made contact. Following the wire strike, the pilot lost control, and the airplane collided with the terrain.
Aircraft and Operational Details
The aircraft involved was a Cessna 172. No registration information was provided. The accident occurred during daylight hours, though specific time and weather conditions were not specified. No air traffic control involvement was noted.
Mechanical Condition
No mechanical malfunction or failure was reported with the airplane prior to the accident. The loss of control was directly attributed to the wire strike and subsequent aerodynamic upset.