On May 28, 1989, a Cessna 172M (registration N9646H) operated by D & H Aero Service was involved in an aviation accident near Oakland, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to fly at low altitude while performing maneuvers that may have distracted from obstacle avoidance, leading to the collision with wires and subsequent impact with the lake. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Witnesses observed an aircraft flying at very low altitude over a lake, rocking its wings as if signaling to someone on the water before striking wires and crashing into the lake.
What happened
The accident aircraft was observed flying at a very low altitude directly over a lake. According to witness accounts, the pilot rocked the wings of the aircraft several times in a manner that appeared to be a signal or wave directed toward an individual on the surface of the water.
Shortly after this maneuver, the aircraft struck overhead wires located approximately 45 feet above the lake's surface. The impact with the wires resulted in a loss of control. Following the loss of control, the aircraft descended and impacted the water of the lake.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to fly at low altitude while performing maneuvers that may have distracted from obstacle avoidance, leading to the collision with wires and subsequent impact with the lake.
What happened in the 28 May 1989 Cessna 172M accident near Oakland, AR?
Witnesses observed an aircraft flying at very low altitude over a lake, rocking its wings as if signaling to someone on the water before striking wires and crashing into the lake.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 28 May 1989 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N9646H, operated by D & H Aero Service, at Oakland, AR.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's decision to fly at low altitude while performing maneuvers that may have distracted from obstacle avoidance, leading to the collision with wires and subsequent impact with the lake.
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