Casualties unknown

Power Line Strike During Night Landing Approach (N2124A)

Medina, OH, US

On May 30, 1989, a Piper PA-22-135 (registration N2124A) operated by David L. Hartley was involved in an aviation accident near Medina, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF AIRPORT MANAGEMENT TO ESTABLISH A DISPLACED THRESHOLD WHICH WOULD PROVIDE ADEQUATE OBSTRUCTION CLEARANCE. FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE POWER LINES, THE UTILITY POLE AND THE DUSK LIGHT CONDITIONS. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft contacted power lines during a night landing approach. The airport directory noted the runway was closed at night and a displaced threshold existed, but did not mention the power lines. After the accident, the threshold was moved further away.

Approach and Runway Information

During a night landing approach, the pilot observed that Runway 9-27 was closed. According to the airport directory, Runway 9-27 was closed at night, Runway 18-36 had low-intensity runway lights (LIRL), and there was a displaced threshold of 120 feet for Runway 18 due to parked aircraft. No mention was made of power lines and a utility pole at the north end of the airport.

Calculation and Impact

It was calculated that a glide slope of 3.1 degrees from the displaced threshold of Runway 18 would intersect the top of the utility pole, which was aligned with the runway centerline. The aircraft contacted the power lines during the landing approach.

Post-Accident Changes

After the accident, the Runway 18 threshold and threshold lights were displaced further away from the power lines.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28247. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.