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USFWS Aircraft Strikes Unmarked Static Wire, Crashes into Columbia River (N756YE)

Desert Aire, WA, US

On November 6, 1998, a Cessna TR182 (registration N756YE) operated by U.s. Fish & Wildlife Service was involved in an aviation accident near Desert Aire, WA. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude and/or clearance over a power line crossing the river, resulting in collision with a static wire at the top of the crossing structure. 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

During a low-level waterfowl survey, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service aircraft struck an unmarked static wire above a power line crossing the Columbia River and crashed, killing two observers; the pilot survived with serious injuries.

Accident Sequence

Approximately 4 hours into a low-level waterfowl survey flight conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service along the Columbia River, the aircraft was flying eastbound down the river. It struck a static line on a power line crossing the river and crashed into the water. The pilot escaped the submerged aircraft with serious injuries, but two USFWS employees acting as observers did not escape and drowned.

The pilot reported that at the time of the wire strike, he saw the transmission lines and towers and was climbing to clear them, but he was unaware of the smaller-diameter static line's presence above the transmission lines and did not see it. The aircraft struck the static line 122 feet above the surface.

Post-Accident Findings

The static line, which was the highest wire on the structure, was not marked according to current FAA standards. An FAA aerial survey of the crossing conducted after the accident revealed that while an adjacent power line crossing approximately 1/4 mile east of the accident crossing was conspicuously marked and lighted, the lines that were struck were very difficult to see even in good visibility conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Nov 1998 Cessna TR182 accident near Desert Aire, WA?

During a low-level waterfowl survey, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service aircraft struck an unmarked static wire above a power line crossing the Columbia River and crashed, killing two observers; the pilot survived with serious injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 6 Nov 1998 Cessna TR182 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Nov 1998 involved a Cessna TR182, registration N756YE, operated by U.s. Fish & Wildlife Service, at Desert Aire, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude and/or clearance over a power line crossing the river, resulting in collision with a static wire at the top of the crossing structure. Factors included the static wire, and inadequate marking of the static wire.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11503. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.