Casualties unknown

Power Line Strike During Landing Results in Gear Collapse (N9591D)

Waller, TX, US

On December 22, 1995, a Piper PA-22-160 (registration N9591D) was involved in an aviation accident near Waller, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain obstacle clearance. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

On short final, a pilot encountered unmarked power lines, contacting the uppermost wire with the left main gear. The aircraft then landed hard, collapsing the nose and left main gear.

Incident Overview

During the landing approach, as the aircraft was on short final and approximately 300 to 400 feet from the runway threshold, the pilot observed power lines directly ahead and slightly below the flight path. The power lines were not equipped with aerial marking balls.

Pilot Actions

In response to the imminent hazard, the pilot momentarily added engine power and increased the aircraft's pitch attitude in an attempt to clear the wires. However, the left main landing gear contacted the uppermost power line.

Impact and Damage

Following the contact with the power line, the aircraft continued onto the runway and impacted the surface. The impact caused the nose landing gear and left main landing gear to collapse. The extent of other damage is not specified in the source.

Circumstances

The source does not provide information on the aircraft type, registration, operator, location, date, time of day, weather conditions, ATC involvement, or any injuries or fatalities.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X05014. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.