What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1996-12-29 involved a Grumman American AA-5A, registration N9944U, at Banning, CA.

Aircraft Strikes Unmarked Power Lines in Canyon (N9944U)

On December 29, 1996, a Grumman American AA-5A (registration N9944U) was involved in an aviation accident near Banning, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's intentional low flight in an area of foothills and canyons at an altitude insufficient to maintain clearance from obstacles. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

A pilot reported an engine sputter and fuel tank change before colliding with unmarked power lines in a canyon. Witnesses observed low flying for 15 minutes prior. Fuel leaked from both tanks.

Accident Details

A pilot flying to Banning airport for refueling reported that the engine began to sputter. While in the process of changing fuel tanks, the aircraft struck high tension power lines. The accident site is located in a canyon in the foothills north of the city. The power lines hang below the elevation of the canyon ridges where the towers are situated, and the lines are not marked.

Pilot Account

The pilot told responding police officers that he did not see the power lines while switching fuel tanks. He had been heading to Banning airport to refuel when the engine trouble occurred.

Witness Observations

Several ground witnesses, including an off-duty Banning police sergeant, reported observing the aircraft flying low in the canyons near the accident site for at least a 15-minute period before the collision with the power lines.

Safety Concerns

Police officers at the accident site reported concern about fuel leaking from both fuel tanks, which posed a threat to a nearby stream. The fuel leak raised environmental and safety issues.

1996-12-29: Grumman American AA-5A (N9944U) — Banning, CA