Aircraft collision with static wire near airport

Casualties unknown • Lyburn, WV, US

An aircraft struck a static wire and collided with terrain shortly after takeoff, resulting in the destruction of the aircraft by post-impact fire.

What happened

At approximately 2345 Eastern Daylight Time, an aircraft was performing its departure from an airport with an elevation of 730 feet mean sea level. Shortly after takeoff, the airplane struck a static wire and subsequently collided with terrain at an elevation of 1,900 feet mean sea level.

The accident site was situated approximately 1.2 miles from the departing airport. According to reports from the power company, the static wire was positioned at an altitude of 1,690 feet mean sea level, which placed it about 280 feet above the terrain. Following the collision with the terrain, the aircraft was destroyed by post-impact fire.

At the time of the accident, visual meteorological conditions were in effect, though patches of ground fog were reported in the surrounding area.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1993-05-12 Piper PA-32-300 accident near Lyburn, WV?

An aircraft struck a static wire and collided with terrain shortly after takeoff, resulting in the destruction of the aircraft by post-impact fire.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1993-05-12 involved a Piper PA-32-300, registration N45087, operated by William M. Charles, at Lyburn, WV.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO ATTAIN SUFFICIENT ALTITUDE TO REMAIN CLEAR OF RISING TERRAIN AND OBJECTS. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE DARKNESS AND RISING TERRAIN.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X12293. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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