On July 1, 1996, a Cessna 172L (registration N19682) operated by Michael M. Cronk was involved in an aviation accident near Johnstown, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: failure of the pilot to maintain proper altitude/clearance from obstructions, while buzzing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a local personal flight, an aircraft struck two power lines about 1 mile apart, shearing off part of the vertical stabilizer and rudder. The pilot flew 70 miles back and parked, not reporting the incident. The aircraft was found the next day with substantial damage.
Incident Details
During a local area personal flight, the aircraft struck two power lines that were approximately 1 mile apart. The second power line sheared off approximately one-third of the vertical stabilizer and rudder. Despite the damage, the pilot continued flying the aircraft back to the point of departure, a distance of about 70 miles, and subsequently parked the aircraft in a shelter.
Aftermath
The pilot did not report the power line encounter. The aircraft was discovered the following day, and an inspection revealed evidence of substantial damage to many portions of the aircraft.
What happened in the 1 Jul 1996 Cessna 172L accident near Johnstown, CO?
During a local personal flight, an aircraft struck two power lines about 1 mile apart, shearing off part of the vertical stabilizer and rudder. The pilot flew 70 miles back and parked, not reporting the incident. The aircraft was found the next day with substantial damage.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 1 Jul 1996 involved a Cessna 172L, registration N19682, operated by Michael M. Cronk, at Johnstown, CO.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
failure of the pilot to maintain proper altitude/clearance from obstructions, while buzzing.
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