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Casualties unknown

Low-Flying Plane Strikes Power Line, Pilots Land in Wheat Field (N5500L)

Columbus, MT, US

On September 9, 1997, a Bellanca 7GCBC (registration N5500L) was involved in an aviation accident near Columbus, MT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot passenger failed to maintain clearance from the power line. 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

A low-flying aircraft collided with a power line, prompting a precautionary landing in an adjacent wheat field. The pilot flying lacked current medical certification and flight currency.

Incident Overview

A small airplane struck a power line while engaged in low-altitude flight. The pilots subsequently performed a precautionary landing in a wheat field adjacent to the power lines.

Pilot Details

The pilot occupying the rear seat stated that he was flying the airplane at the time of the collision. The aircraft had recently been purchased by the pilot in the front seat. The rear-seat pilot, who also worked as an aircraft mechanic, did not meet flight currency requirements and had not undergone a medical examination since 1992. The front-seat pilot was unaware of the other pilot's medical status or lack of flight currency.

Response and Outcome

After the power line strike, the pilots made a controlled landing in the wheat field. No further details about injuries or damage were provided in the investigation source.

Controlled flight into terrain

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08931. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.