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Pilot Mistakes Bypass for Airstrip, Collides with Power Lines (N1721C)

Wausa, NE, US

On June 13, 1991, a Cessna 180 (registration N1721C) operated by Delmar/clara Lemons was involved in an aviation accident near Wausa, NE. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S DELAYED DECISION TO TURN AROUND AFTER ENCOUNTERING IFR FLIGHT CONDITIONS. FACTORS WERE RESTRICTED FORWARD VISIBILITY AND POWER LINES. 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

A pilot on a personal VFR cross-country flight encountered IFR conditions and attempted a precautionary landing on a perceived airstrip, which was actually a bypass between rural roads. The aircraft hit power lines and terrain, causing substantial damage and serious passenger injuries.

Incident Details

A pilot stated that during a personal visual flight rules (VFR) cross-country flight, he encountered instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions. In response, he attempted to make a precautionary landing on what he believed to be an airstrip. The location he identified as an airstrip was in fact a bypass between two rural roads.

Collision and Damage

As the pilot maneuvered for the landing, the aircraft collided with power lines before subsequently striking the terrain. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the airframe. The passenger sustained serious injuries.

Pilot Account

The pilot reported that the decision to land was precautionary due to the unexpected IFR conditions encountered during the VFR flight. He had visually identified what appeared to be an airstrip, but it was actually a road bypass.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Jun 1991 Cessna 180 accident near Wausa, NE?

A pilot on a personal VFR cross-country flight encountered IFR conditions and attempted a precautionary landing on a perceived airstrip, which was actually a bypass between rural roads. The aircraft hit power lines and terrain, causing substantial damage and serious passenger injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 13 Jun 1991 Cessna 180 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Jun 1991 involved a Cessna 180, registration N1721C, operated by Delmar/clara Lemons, at Wausa, NE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S DELAYED DECISION TO TURN AROUND AFTER ENCOUNTERING IFR FLIGHT CONDITIONS. FACTORS WERE RESTRICTED FORWARD VISIBILITY AND POWER LINES.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X17221. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.