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Casualties unknown

Airplane Strikes Static Wire and Collides with Terrain Shortly After Takeoff (N45087)

Lyburn, WV, US

On May 12, 1993, a Piper PA-32-300 (registration N45087) operated by William M. Charles was involved in an aviation accident near Lyburn, WV. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: 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. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane struck a static wire and collided with terrain at 1,900 ft MSL about 1.2 miles from the departure airport. The aircraft was destroyed by post-impact fire. No anomalies were noted. VMC with patches of ground fog prevailed.

Accident Details

Shortly after takeoff at about 2345 Eastern Daylight Time, an airplane struck a static wire and subsequently collided with terrain at an elevation of 1,900 feet mean sea level (MSL). The accident site was located approximately 1.2 miles from the departed airport, which has an elevation of 730 feet MSL.

Static Wire and Terrain

The power company reported that the static wire was positioned about 280 feet above the terrain, at an altitude of 1,690 feet MSL. The wire's height relative to the ground was approximately 280 feet.

Aircraft Condition

The airplane was destroyed by a post-impact fire. Examination revealed no airframe or engine anomalies.

Weather Conditions

Visual meteorological conditions (VMC) prevailed at the time of the accident. Patches of ground fog were reported around the area.

Pilot Information

The commercial pilot's logbook was not recovered.

Controlled flight into terrain

Related events

Same aircraft family

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Frequently asked questions

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

An airplane struck a static wire and collided with terrain at 1,900 ft MSL about 1.2 miles from the departure airport. The aircraft was destroyed by post-impact fire. No anomalies were noted. VMC with patches of ground fog prevailed.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 12 May 1993 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.

More accident analyses

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.