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Casualties unknown

Pilot Strikes Power Lines After Maneuvering at Grass Airstrip (N2349J)

Harrah, WA, US

On September 6, 1997, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N2349J) was involved in an aviation accident near Harrah, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: 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. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During two approaches to a grass airstrip, the pilot performed a touch-and-go, then a low pass, followed by a steep climb, a banked turn, and a descending slip, ending with an impact on power lines near the runway.

Incident Overview

A pilot conducted two approaches to the east end of a grass airstrip. During the first approach, he performed a touch-and-go. On the second approach, he did not touch down but instead flew low over the length of the runway.

Sequence of Events

At the conclusion of the second approach, the pilot pulled up steeply, climbing a few hundred feet, then entered a steeply banked right turn, which resulted in a course reversal. After the reversal, he entered a rapidly descending slip toward the west end of the runway.

Final Moments

Just after terminating the slip, the aircraft impacted 40-foot high power lines located approximately 20 feet from the runway threshold.

Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Sept 1997 Piper PA-18-150 accident near Harrah, WA?

During two approaches to a grass airstrip, the pilot performed a touch-and-go, then a low pass, followed by a steep climb, a banked turn, and a descending slip, ending with an impact on power lines near the runway.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Sept 1997 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.

More accident analyses

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.