Casualties unknown

Ferry Flight Collides with Power Lines, Noses Over on Landing (N5895D)

Palouse, WA, US

On June 1, 1990, a Piper PA18 (registration N5895D) operated by Mervyn, William J. was involved in an aviation accident near Palouse, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOTS POORLY PLANNED APPROACH FOR LANDING. 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

During a ferry flight for maintenance, the pilot circled a private airstrip for wind direction. On descent, the aircraft cleared one row of power lines but hit a second, touching down short and nosing over, with the left wing catching fire.

Incident Overview

A pilot conducting a ferry flight for maintenance was approaching a private airstrip. The pilot first circled the strip to assess wind direction before beginning the descent for landing.

Collision with Power Lines

During the descent, the pilot observed a row of power lines and maneuvered the aircraft to clear them. However, a second row of lines, which the pilot had not seen, was present. The airplane collided with this second row.

Landing and Fire

After striking the power lines, the aircraft touched down short of the runway. During the landing roll, it nosed over. The left wing then ignited, and the fire burned only that side of the aircraft.

Aircraft Condition

The fire was confined to the left side of the airplane, which sustained burn damage from the wing ignition.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X23539. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.