No fatalities

Pilot Strikes Transmission Wire During Search for Lost Tire (N2107F)

Lewistown, MT, US

On September 6, 1990, a Cessna U206 (registration N2107F) operated by Larry C. Hoffman was involved in an aviation accident near Lewistown, MT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT DID NOT MAINTAIN AN ADEQUATE LOOKOUT WHILE MANEUVERING WHICH RESULTED IN A COLLISION WITH A TRANSMISSION WIRE. 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

During a local flight at 800 ft AGL, a pilot searching for a fallen truck tire struck a transmission wire while making a left descending turn. Unaware of the collision, he continued to another strip. Later, the left wing leading edge was found dented and a grass fire had ignited from the downed wire.

The Search

The pilot was conducting a local flight at approximately 800 feet above ground level (AGL). The purpose of the flight was to locate a tire that had fallen off a truck. While flying parallel to a road, the pilot spotted an object he believed to be the missing tire. To get a closer look, he initiated a left descending turn.

The Collision

During the left descending turn, the airplane struck a transmission wire. The pilot was unaware of the collision and continued the flight. He proceeded to another landing strip, where he landed without further incident.

Aftermath

Later inspection revealed that the left wing's leading edge had been dented. Additionally, the wire that was downed had ignited a grass fire. The fire was likely a result of the wire making contact with the ground or vegetation.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Sept 1990 Cessna U206 accident near Lewistown, MT?

During a local flight at 800 ft AGL, a pilot searching for a fallen truck tire struck a transmission wire while making a left descending turn. Unaware of the collision, he continued to another strip. Later, the left wing leading edge was found dented and a grass fire had ignited from the downed wire.

Were there any fatalities in the 6 Sept 1990 Cessna U206 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Sept 1990 involved a Cessna U206, registration N2107F, operated by Larry C. Hoffman, at Lewistown, MT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT DID NOT MAINTAIN AN ADEQUATE LOOKOUT WHILE MANEUVERING WHICH RESULTED IN A COLLISION WITH A TRANSMISSION WIRE.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X24376. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.