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Casualties unknown

Aircraft Strikes Power Lines During Low-Altitude Cattle Search (N23142)

Patterson, CA, US

On July 19, 1991, a Piper J3C-65 (registration N23142) operated by Michael Mahaffey was involved in an aviation accident near Patterson, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S IMPROPER VISUAL LOOKOUT IN A DESCENT AT LOW ALTITUDE, RESULTING IN AN IN FLIGHT COLLISION WITH WIRES AND SUBSEQUENT IN FLIGHT COLLISION WITH TERRAIN. 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

While flying at 400 feet to locate stray cattle, a pilot and passenger descended to identify an object and struck electrical transmission wires, leading to an uncontrolled descent into a pond.

Circumstances

A pilot and a passenger were conducting a low-altitude flight in the vicinity of a river and a pond, searching for stray cattle. The aircraft was traveling at approximately 400 feet above ground level when the passenger believed he spotted an object at the north end of the pond. Unable to identify the object from that altitude, they initiated a descent to get a closer look.

Collision

During the descent, the aircraft collided with electrical transmission wires. The pilots reported that they did not see the wires or the supporting poles prior to impact. The collision caused the aircraft to enter an uncontrolled descent, and it subsequently impacted the water in the pond.

Post-Impact

An FAA safety inspector who examined the site reported that three wires had been broken. The supporting poles, located on land, were approximately 1,140 feet apart.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 Jul 1991 Piper J3C-65 accident near Patterson, CA?

While flying at 400 feet to locate stray cattle, a pilot and passenger descended to identify an object and struck electrical transmission wires, leading to an uncontrolled descent into a pond.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 Jul 1991 involved a Piper J3C-65, registration N23142, operated by Michael Mahaffey, at Patterson, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S IMPROPER VISUAL LOOKOUT IN A DESCENT AT LOW ALTITUDE, RESULTING IN AN IN FLIGHT COLLISION WITH WIRES AND SUBSEQUENT IN FLIGHT COLLISION WITH TERRAIN.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X17608. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.