Aircraft inverted after striking power lines during approach

Casualties unknown • Rainier, WA, US

An aircraft struck power lines during its approach to a runway, resulting in the plane flipping upside down and coming to rest at the end of the airstrip.

What happened

During the approach phase of flight, an aircraft experienced a sudden loss of altitude that caused it to strike power lines. According to a witness, the approach initially appeared normal until the airplane suddenly pitched nose down into the ground and flipped.

The pilot reported that while aiming for the green runway markers at a runway with a displaced threshold, the aircraft sank into wires. The landing gear made contact with the power lines, causing the aircraft to pitch forward on its nose and flip upside down. Following the impact, the airplane came to rest in an inverted position at the northwest end of the airstrip.

The pilot noted that he was flying the accident aircraft for the first time and indicated that he may have experienced windshear during the maneuver.

Probable cause

The pilot lost altitude more rapidly than realized, causing the landing gear to strike power lines during the approach.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1998-11-08 Stinson 108-2 accident near Rainier, WA?

An aircraft struck power lines during its approach to a runway, resulting in the plane flipping upside down and coming to rest at the end of the airstrip.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1998-11-08 involved a Stinson 108-2, registration N9755K, at Rainier, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot lost altitude more rapidly than realized, causing the landing gear to strike power lines during the approach.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11499. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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