On February 18, 1999, a Bellanca 7GCBC (registration N57468) was involved in an aviation accident near Grand Rapids, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inadequate visual lookout. A factor to the accident was the unmarked transmission wire. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot practicing a short-field landing on a frozen lake struck unmarked transmission wires with the vertical stabilizer, retained control, and landed safely.
Incident Overview
During a practice short-field landing approach to a frozen lake, a pilot reported that the aircraft's vertical stabilizer contacted unmarked transmission wires. The pilot stated that control of the aircraft was maintained throughout the event, and a landing on the frozen lake was completed successfully.
Pilot Report
According to the pilot, no engine or flight control anomalies were noted before or after the wire strike. The approach was being conducted as part of ongoing proficiency training in short-field landing techniques.
Wire Strike Details
The transmission wires were described as unmarked. The pilot did not indicate any prior knowledge of the wires' presence in the approach path.