What happened
The student pilot reported that he flew the aircraft to Brooklyn, Michigan, on a personal flight. During the landing phase, the wind displaced the aircraft slightly off course. In response to this deviation, the pilot initiated a go-around. While executing the go-around, the aircraft struck a wire that was not visible to the pilot. The impact caused the aircraft to crash and it was subsequently demolished by fire.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the circumstances of the flight and the sequence of events leading to the accident. The pilot's report indicated that the wind displacement during landing was the initial trigger for the go-around maneuver. The failure to see the wire during this critical phase of flight was a key factor in the collision.
Findings
The primary factors contributing to the accident were the pilot's inability to maintain visual contact with the aircraft's path during the go-around and the presence of an unmarked or hard-to-see wire in the area. The wind displacement during landing necessitated a go-around, which placed the aircraft in a low-altitude, high-workload environment where situational awareness is critical.
Safety message
Pilots should be aware of the potential hazards of low-flying wires, especially during go-around maneuvers or when operating in areas with limited visibility. Proper scanning techniques and heightened situational awareness are essential to avoid such obstacles.