FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

CFI-Piloted Aircraft Strikes Power Lines During Final Approach (N8933N)

Albuquerque, NM, US

On March 17, 1994, a Piper PA-32-300 (registration N8933N) was involved in an aviation accident near Albuquerque, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance during a night ILS approach, which resulted in the aircraft striking power lines. 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 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards

A certified flight instructor flying a passenger aircraft struck power lines during a fourth ILS approach at night, resulting in ground impact after attempting to clear the wires.

What happened

The accident occurred during a dark night instrument landing system (ILS) approach. The aircraft was being flown by a certified flight instructor (CFI) who was listed as a passenger on the manifest. This event took place during the fourth attempt to land on runway 22 when the initial contact with overhead wires occurred approximately 200 yards from the approach end of the runway.

According to the pilot in command (PIC) and owner, the aircraft was positioned two dots below the ILS glideslope just prior to striking the wires. Upon making initial contact with the first set of wires, the CFI applied power in an effort to clear the obstruction. Following this application of power, the airplane veered to the left and struck a second set of wires before descending to impact the ground.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the flight path relative to the ILS glideslope and the sequence of events during the missed approach or go-around attempt. The physical evidence confirmed the aircraft encountered two separate sets of power lines located near the runway threshold.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance during a night ILS approach, which resulted in the aircraft striking power lines.
Controlled flight into terrain

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Piper PA-32 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Mar 1994 Piper PA-32-300 accident near Albuquerque, NM?

A certified flight instructor flying a passenger aircraft struck power lines during a fourth ILS approach at night, resulting in ground impact after attempting to clear the wires.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Mar 1994 involved a Piper PA-32-300, registration N8933N, at Albuquerque, NM.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance during a night ILS approach, which resulted in the aircraft striking power lines.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X00904. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.