Accident Overview
An airplane struck the top static line on a transmission tower, causing the right wing and empennage to separate. The aircraft then descended vertically and crashed approximately 50 to 75 feet in front of a witness who was riding a dirt motorcycle parallel to the powerlines. The accident occurred about 2 miles west of the airport during hours of darkness in visual meteorological conditions. The transmission tower is about 100 feet above ground level, while the airport traffic pattern altitude is 800 feet AGL. The transmission lines run parallel to the runway.
Witness Accounts
A witness riding a dirt motorcycle parallel to the powerlines reported seeing two bright flashes and hearing a loud bang from behind before the airplane crashed in front of him. Other witnesses observed a flash, heard a loud noise, and saw the airplane descending vertically towards the ground.
Accident Site
The airplane struck the top static line on a transmission tower, severing the right wing and empennage. The tower is approximately 100 feet AGL. The accident site is located about 2 miles west of the airport, with the transmission lines oriented parallel to the runway.
Conditions
The accident occurred in visual meteorological conditions during the hours of darkness. The airport traffic pattern altitude is 800 feet AGL, but no information is available regarding the airplane's altitude or flight path prior to the impact.