Accident Overview
The airplane collided with a guy wire attached to a 414-foot tower, approximately 375 feet above ground level. The tower was situated along the planned route of flight between Wichita, Kansas, and the pilot's stated destination of Harrison, Arkansas.
Flight Details
The pilot, who did not hold an instrument rating, had called to obtain a telephone weather briefing for the proposed cross-country flight. The briefer advised that existing and forecast weather conditions included instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) with low ceilings and fog along the route.
Witness Account
A resident living about one-quarter mile from the accident site reported hearing the airplane's engine, which then became silent, followed by a "big thud." The resident estimated the cloud ceiling to be approximately 200 to 300 feet at the time of the accident.
Aircraft Examination
A subsequent examination of the airplane found no pre-existing mechanical anomalies.