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Aerial Observation Aircraft Strikes Power Line During First Flight for Company (N5207R)

Port Lavaca, TX, US

On February 6, 1998, a Cessna 172M (registration N5207R) was involved in an aviation accident near Port Lavaca, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the power line. Factors were the gusty winds, the pilots lack of experience in the type of operation, inadequate training and insufficient standards/requirements by the company/operator management, and the power… 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

An aircraft on its first aerial observation flight struck power lines while flying a power line route. Witnesses saw it enter a climbing left turn, spin, and descend. No pre-impact anomalies were found.

Accident

An airplane struck power lines during an aerial observation flight. The pilot was on his first such mission for the company, having been dispatched by the director of operations. The pilot had not received company training in this type of operation.

Witness Accounts

Witnesses observed the airplane flying along the power line with the engine at full power. It then entered a climbing left turn, spun to the left, and descended toward the ground. The passenger/observer stated that "the power line turned, the [air]plane didn't turn, the pilot never saw the line." The observer further reported that the engine was running normally until the aircraft struck the wire.

Operational Context

Winds were from the north at 20 knots, gusting to 30 knots. Following the accident, the director of operations commented that the pilot needed "situational awareness" when flying power lines. On the NTSB Form 6120.1/2, the operator recommended "improving situational awareness and training."

Examination

Flight control continuity was confirmed. No pre-impact discrepancies were found with the airframe. The engine examination did not reveal any anomalies that would preclude full power operation prior to impact.

Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Feb 1998 Cessna 172M accident near Port Lavaca, TX?

An aircraft on its first aerial observation flight struck power lines while flying a power line route. Witnesses saw it enter a climbing left turn, spin, and descend. No pre-impact anomalies were found.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Feb 1998 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N5207R, at Port Lavaca, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the power line. Factors were the gusty winds, the pilots lack of experience in the type of operation, inadequate training and insufficient standards/requirements by the company/operator management, and the power lines.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X09542. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.