Casualties unknown

Precautionary Road Landing After IMC Encounters Results in Collision with Powerline (N4277A)

Colquitt, GA, US

On October 1, 1989, a Beech V35B (registration N4277A) operated by David E. Miller was involved in an aviation accident near Colquitt, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO OBTAIN CURRENT ENROUTE WEATHER INFORMATION FOR HIS DESTINATION RESULTING IN HIS FLYING VMC INTO IMC CONDITIONS WHICH RESULTED IN HIS COLLISION WITH POWERLINES WHILE MAKING A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING ON A ROAD. 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

A pilot who received weather briefings before departure and enroute did not obtain updated destination weather. Nine miles out, he encountered IMC, reversed course, then again encountered IMC. While in a clear hole at 500 feet, he chose to land on a road but hit a powerline, severing the right landing gear, and veered into a ditch.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that he received a weather briefing prior to departure and additionally obtained current weather conditions for Tallahassee while enroute. However, he did not request updated weather for the destination during the flight.

Sequence of Events

Approximately nine miles from the destination, the flight encountered instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). The pilot reversed course but again entered IMC. While at an altitude of 500 feet within a clear area that had a diameter of about one mile, the pilot elected to make a precautionary landing on a road.

Collision and Landing

During the approach to the road, the airplane collided with a powerline, which severed the right landing gear. Upon touchdown, the airplane veered off the road and came to rest in a ditch.

Pilot Background

In the NTSB accident report form, the pilot stated that his last biennial flight review was 27 months prior to the accident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29526. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.