Incident Overview
A small airplane collided with a power line while maneuvering at low altitude, subsequently impacting a river and sinking. Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft flying at treetop height along the river before the accident.
Sequence of Events
According to the passenger, the airplane was navigating a sharp bend in the river when he observed a power line crossing the water. The left wing then contacted the wires, which were estimated to be between 50 and 75 feet above ground level. Damage to the leading edge of the left wing indicated that the airplane was in a steep right bank at the moment of impact. Following the wire strike, the airplane crashed into the river and submerged.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The pilot, a 17-year-old private pilot, had accumulated approximately 85 hours of total flight time. He had flown the accident airplane for 15 to 20 hours since earning his private pilot certificate two months prior to the incident.
Post-Accident Examination
An examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of any mechanical discrepancies, suggesting the collision was not related to a mechanical failure.