On October 21, 1995, a Piper PA-22 (registration N1845A) operated by Eric D. Johnson was involved in an aviation accident near Battle Mountain, NV. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to see and avoid utility transmission wires suspended across the final approach flight path. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
While on final approach to land on a dirt road at a private ranch, an aircraft struck utility transmission lines suspended 30 feet above the road, severing three lines. The aircraft continued for 140 feet before impacting the road flat, collapsing all landing gear, sliding off, and hitting a barbed wire fence.
Incident Overview
An accident occurred during a landing approach on a dirt road located on a private ranch. The aircraft was on final approach when it impacted utility transmission lines that were suspended 30 feet above the road and perpendicular to it. The collision severed three of the lines.
Sequence of Events
After severing the utility lines, the aircraft traveled an additional 140 feet before contacting the road in a flat attitude. The impact caused all three landing gear to collapse. The aircraft then slid off the road and struck a barbed wire fence, coming to rest 240 feet beyond the location of the transmission lines.
Pilot Actions
The pilot reported that at the time of the collision, he was looking at the airspeed indicator instrument.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 21 Oct 1995 Piper PA-22 accident near Battle Mountain, NV?
While on final approach to land on a dirt road at a private ranch, an aircraft struck utility transmission lines suspended 30 feet above the road, severing three lines. The aircraft continued for 140 feet before impacting the road flat, collapsing all landing gear, sliding off, and hitting a barbed wire fence.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 21 Oct 1995 involved a Piper PA-22, registration N1845A, operated by Eric D. Johnson, at Battle Mountain, NV.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
the pilot's failure to see and avoid utility transmission wires suspended across the final approach flight path.