Casualties unknown

1995-03-15: Cessna 180 (N1520C) — Winslow, AZ

Winslow, AZ, US

On March 15, 1995, a Cessna 180 (registration N1520C) was involved in an aviation accident near Winslow, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's poor judgement by intentionally deciding to buzz. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During a flight, a passenger called an acquaintance at a curio shop to say they would fly over. The airplane flew low past the shop, and after waving, struck a power line crossing a highway. Control was lost and the airplane crashed.

Incident Overview

During a flight, a passenger aboard the airplane used a cellular telephone to contact an acquaintance at a curio shop adjacent to an interstate highway. The passenger informed the acquaintance that the airplane would fly over the shop. The airplane then arrived above the location and proceeded at a low altitude in an easterly direction past the curio shop. Seconds after the airplane's occupants waved at the acquaintance and the acquaintance waved back, the airplane collided with a north-south oriented power line that crossed the highway. Control was lost, and the airplane crashed 480 feet from the acquaintance's location. The severed power line was found approximately 33 feet above ground level.

Sequence of Events

The passenger initiated a phone call to an acquaintance at a shop near a highway. The conversation included a plan to fly over the shop. The airplane followed through by flying low and eastward past the shop. The mutual waving occurred immediately before the collision with the power line. The power line's orientation was north-south, and it spanned across the highway. After striking the line, the airplane became uncontrollable and descended into the terrain, coming to rest 480 feet away. The power line was severed at a height of about 33 feet.

Aftermath

The accident resulted in the airplane coming to rest on the ground. The power line was damaged. No further details were provided in the source regarding injuries or fatalities. The investigation did not assign a probable cause.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X03145. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.