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Casualties unknown

Floatplane vertical stabilizer strikes river wires during approach (N76101)

Lincoln, ME, US

On October 9, 1991, a Cessna 172 (registration N76101) operated by Morrison And Sylvester, Inc was involved in an aviation accident near Lincoln, ME. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to see and avoid overhead wires during the approach, which may have been contributed to by sun glare from the water surface. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards

A float-equipped airplane struck overhead wires across a river during a daytime approach. The pilot had flown over the area to check for obstructions but failed to see the lines, likely due to sun glare from the water surface.

What happened

During a daytime operation, a pilot flying a float-equipped airplane conducted an approach toward a river. Prior to the final approach phase, the pilot had flown over the area in an attempt to identify potential obstructions. Despite this visual scan, the pilot failed to observe wires stretched across the river.

On final approach, the vertical stabilizer of the aircraft struck these wires. Following the impact, the airplane continued its descent and landed without further incident. The pilot reported that sun glare from the surface of the water was a factor during the operation.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to see and avoid overhead wires during the approach, which may have been contributed to by sun glare from the water surface.
Controlled flight into terrain

Related events

Same aircraft family

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Oct 1991 Cessna 172 accident near Lincoln, ME?

A float-equipped airplane struck overhead wires across a river during a daytime approach. The pilot had flown over the area to check for obstructions but failed to see the lines, likely due to sun glare from the water surface.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Oct 1991 involved a Cessna 172, registration N76101, operated by Morrison And Sylvester, Inc, at Lincoln, ME.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to see and avoid overhead wires during the approach, which may have been contributed to by sun glare from the water surface.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18364. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.