Background
According to the investigation report, Approach Control was communicating with the pilot approximately five minutes before the accident, providing VFR flight following through the Baton Rouge area. The pilot did not report any abnormalities with the aircraft. FAA records show the pilot obtained weather briefings from Automated Flight Service Stations before and during the flight.
Witness Observations
Seven witnesses working on a levee adjacent to the accident site observed the aircraft in level flight, cruising over the Mississippi River at a low altitude beneath low clouds. One witness recalled seeing the aircraft approach high tension power lines that traversed the river perpendicular to the flight path. The aircraft impacted the lines, became hung up momentarily, and then fell into the river. Five of the witnesses reported hearing the sound of an engine prior to the wire impact.
Power Lines and Wreckage Examination
The two power line support structures at the site were 425 feet in height. Examination of the wreckage revealed wire strike marks beneath the right wing near the wing support strut attachment point. The throttle and mixture levers were both found in the full forward position, and the tachometer needle indicated 2,500 RPM.