Casualties unknown

Power Line Strike During Local Flight (N8487D)

Livingston, CA, US

On February 15, 1997, a Piper PA-18A (registration N8487D) was involved in an aviation accident near Livingston, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to see and avoid power lines. A factor was the pilot's poor judgment in conducting unwarranted low altitude maneuvering. 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

A pilot and passenger departed on a local flight in good weather. During a tight turn, the aircraft struck power lines after leveling out. The passenger's rear-seat visibility was limited and he did not see the wires.

Incident Details

The aircraft was engaged in a local area flight with a pilot and one passenger. According to the passenger, the weather at the time was good with no visibility restrictions, and the sun was visible. During the flight, the aircraft executed a tight turn. As it leveled out from the turn, it struck power lines.

Passenger Account

The passenger, seated in the rear seat, reported that his visibility was limited from that position. He stated that he never saw the power lines before the collision. The passenger also indicated that he did not learn the purpose of the flight from the pilot.

Flight Background

The flight departed for a local area flight. No additional information about the aircraft type, registration, operator, or location was provided in the source. The occurrence took place during daytime conditions with good visibility, as described by the passenger.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07425. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.