Aircraft strikes power lines during final approach

Casualties unknown • Petersburg, MI, US

An aircraft collided with terrain after striking electrical transmission wires while on final approach to an airport, reportedly due to sun glare.

What happened

During the final approach to an airport, an aircraft struck electrical power transmission wires, which subsequently caused the plane to collide with the terrain. A pilot who had landed in an aircraft immediately preceding the accident reported that the runway was difficult to observe due to sun glare.

Following the impact, the airport operator witnessed the accident and was the first person to reach the aircraft. During a telephone conversation, the pilot stated he did not have a clear memory of the accident itself, though he did recall the sun being in his eyes during the approach. When the pilot asked the operator what had been struck, the operator informed him that the aircraft had hit wires. The pilot indicated that he was unaware that the powerlines were present in the flight path.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to recognize the presence of electrical power transmission wires during the final approach, compounded by sun glare obscuring visibility.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1992-09-08 Piper PA-22-150 accident near Petersburg, MI?

An aircraft collided with terrain after striking electrical transmission wires while on final approach to an airport, reportedly due to sun glare.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1992-09-08 involved a Piper PA-22-150, registration N3743P, operated by Jeffery T. Horkey, at Petersburg, MI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to recognize the presence of electrical power transmission wires during the final approach, compounded by sun glare obscuring visibility.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X15655. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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