Accident Overview
A cross-country flight ended when the pilot struck power lines while maneuvering at low altitude. The pilot, who held a recently issued private pilot certificate, had become lost and disoriented during the flight and did not follow instructions provided by air traffic control for assistance. The accident occurred at night under visibility of 7 miles.
Pilot and Flight Details
The pilot was newly certificated, having received his private pilot certificate less than two weeks before the accident. He had accumulated a total of 63 hours of flight time, of which only 3.2 hours were at night. He had no previous flight experience in the area where the accident occurred.
Accident Sequence
While en route, the pilot became disoriented and lost. Air traffic control attempted to assist, but the pilot failed to follow their instructions. During subsequent maneuvering in the vicinity of a city, the pilot flew the aircraft in close proximity to the ground and struck power lines.
Investigation Findings
After the accident, sheriff's deputies discovered approximately 200 pounds of marijuana in the rear seat of the aircraft.