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Aircraft Strikes Power Line After Takeoff; Two Pilots Reportedly Struggled Over Controls (N30039)

Hesperia, CA, US

On July 21, 1989, a Cessna 177 (registration N30039) operated by Rene G. Munsey was involved in an aviation accident near Hesperia, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: AN INFLIGHT COLLISION WITH A POWER LINE WHILE MANEUVERING AT LOW ALTITUDE SHORTLY AFTER DEPARTURE ON A DARK NIGHT OVER AN AREA WITH FEW GROUND REFERENCE LIGHTS. THE REASONS FOR THE AIRCRAFT'S FLIGHT PATH AND ALTITUDE PROFILE ARE UNDETERMINED. 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

After takeoff, the aircraft flew a curving right-hand path at low altitude, struck a 32-ft power line, and was consumed by post-crash fire. No pre-impact mechanical failure was found. Automotive fuel of unknown origin was likely used. A child passenger reported the two pilots were fighting over controls.

Accident Sequence

Witnesses reported that after takeoff, the aircraft flew a curving right-hand flight path at low altitude, heading back toward the approach end of the departure runway. At a point consistent with a modified and extended right base leg for that runway, the aircraft struck a high-tension power line at an altitude of 32 feet above ground level (AGL). At the moment of wire contact, the aircraft was flying parallel to the power line.

Wreckage and Fire

A post-crash fire completely consumed the aircraft. An extensive examination of the surviving wreckage components revealed no evidence of a pre-impact mechanical malfunction or failure.

Fuel and Modifications

Automotive fuel of unknown origin or quality was probably being used in the aircraft without an approved Supplemental Type Certificate (STC).

Pilot Actions

According to a second-hand account from the surviving child passenger, the two pilots began 'fighting over the controls' after takeoff. One pilot reportedly told the other that 'he turned the wrong way.'

Environmental Conditions

The accident occurred on a dark night over an area with no ground reference lights.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Jul 1989 Cessna 177 accident near Hesperia, CA?

After takeoff, the aircraft flew a curving right-hand path at low altitude, struck a 32-ft power line, and was consumed by post-crash fire. No pre-impact mechanical failure was found. Automotive fuel of unknown origin was likely used. A child passenger reported the two pilots were fighting over controls.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Jul 1989 involved a Cessna 177, registration N30039, operated by Rene G. Munsey, at Hesperia, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

AN INFLIGHT COLLISION WITH A POWER LINE WHILE MANEUVERING AT LOW ALTITUDE SHORTLY AFTER DEPARTURE ON A DARK NIGHT OVER AN AREA WITH FEW GROUND REFERENCE LIGHTS. THE REASONS FOR THE AIRCRAFT'S FLIGHT PATH AND ALTITUDE PROFILE ARE UNDETERMINED. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE APPARENT DISAGREEMENT WHICH OCCURRED…

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28858. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.