Aircraft impacts power lines during low approach at grass airstrip

Casualties unknown • Harrah, WA, US

An aircraft struck 40-foot-high power lines near a runway threshold following a series of maneuvers including a steep climb and a descending slip.

What happened

The pilot conducted two separate approaches toward the east end of a grass airstable. During the initial approach, the pilot performed a touch-and-go maneuver. On the second approach, the aircraft did not make contact with the ground but instead maintained a low altitude while flying over the length of the runway.

At the conclusion of this second approach, the pilot executed a steep pull-up, gaining an altitude of several hundred feet. Following this climb, the pilot entered a steeply banked right turn to reverse course. After completing the reversal, the pilot initiated a rapidly descending slip directed toward the west end of the runway. Immediately after terminating the slip, the aircraft struck 40-foot-high power lines situated approximately 20 feet from the runway threshold.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1997-09-06 Piper PA-18-150 accident near Harrah, WA?

An aircraft struck 40-foot-high power lines near a runway threshold following a series of maneuvers including a steep climb and a descending slip.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1997-09-06 involved a Piper PA-18-150, registration N2349J, at Harrah, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a transmission wire while on final approach. A factor was a 40-foot high transmission wire located approximately 20 feet from the end of the airstrip.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08927. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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