FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Pilot Hits Power Line While Scud Running in Low Clouds (N6320E)

Manchaca, TX, US

On March 17, 1997, a Cessna 172 (registration N6320E) was involved in an aviation accident near Manchaca, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions and his failure to maintain obstacle clearance. A factor was the weather condition. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A noninstrument-rated private pilot struck a power line while scud running in clouds, according to a witness. The airplane rolled inverted before impacting the ground.

Accident Overview

A noninstrument-rated private pilot was involved in an accident after the airplane collided with a power line. The pilot stated that he was scud-running and hit a power line in clouds. The accident sequence was observed by a witness.

Witness Account

According to a witness, the airplane flew over his house before colliding with a power line. Following the collision, the airplane rolled inverted and then impacted the ground.

Weather Conditions

Seventeen minutes prior to the accident, weather conditions at a reporting station located 12 nautical miles from the accident site were reported as a ceiling of 300 feet overcast, visibility of 2 statute miles in light rain and mist.

Pilot Background

The pilot held a private pilot certificate and was not instrument-rated. No further details about the pilot's experience or the aircraft are available from the source.

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Cessna 172 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Mar 1997 Cessna 172 accident near Manchaca, TX?

A noninstrument-rated private pilot struck a power line while scud running in clouds, according to a witness. The airplane rolled inverted before impacting the ground.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Mar 1997 involved a Cessna 172, registration N6320E, at Manchaca, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions and his failure to maintain obstacle clearance. A factor was the weather condition.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07533. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.