No fatalities

Student Pilot Loses Judgment, Strikes Power Lines on River Buzz (N48720)

Rock Hill, SC, US

On November 2, 1994, a Cessna 152 (registration N48720) was involved in an aviation accident near Rock Hill, SC. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE STUDENT PILOT'S POOR JUDGEMENT AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE FROM OBSTACLES. 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

During a solo training flight, a student pilot struck electrical lines while buzzing a river. The airplane spun 180 degrees and ended upright in four feet of water. The uninjured pilot waded to shore.

Incident Overview

A student pilot on a local solo training flight collided with electrical transmission lines approximately 30 feet above the ground. The impact caused the airplane to rotate 180 degrees before coming to rest upright and partially submerged in a river. The water depth at the location was about four feet.

Pilot Statement

The uninjured student pilot waded to shore and awaited rescue. In his report, he stated that he suffered a total lapse of judgment and decided to buzz a deserted stretch of the river. Shortly after that decision, the airplane collided with the wires.

Aftermath

Emergency services responded to the scene. The pilot was uninjured and did not require medical attention. The aircraft sustained damage from the collision and subsequent partial submersion.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 Nov 1994 Cessna 152 accident near Rock Hill, SC?

During a solo training flight, a student pilot struck electrical lines while buzzing a river. The airplane spun 180 degrees and ended upright in four feet of water. The uninjured pilot waded to shore.

Were there any fatalities in the 2 Nov 1994 Cessna 152 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 Nov 1994 involved a Cessna 152, registration N48720, at Rock Hill, SC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE STUDENT PILOT'S POOR JUDGEMENT AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE FROM OBSTACLES.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02547. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.