On February 20, 1999, a Piper J-5A (registration N28123) was involved in an aviation accident near Rexburg, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane struck power lines about 35 feet above ground while flying over a friend's house. The pilot attempted a forced landing due to rudder damage; the right main gear collapsed.
Incident
While flying over a friend's house, the airplane struck a set of power lines. The power lines were approximately 35 feet above the ground. The pilot reported no mechanical failure or malfunction with the aircraft prior to colliding with the power lines.
Forced Landing
After striking the power lines, the pilot attempted to land in a nearby field. The decision to land in the field was necessitated by extensive damage to the aircraft's rudder. During the forced landing, the aircraft's right main gear collapsed.
Aftermath
The aircraft sustained damage to the rudder and the right main gear collapsed. No further information about the aircraft or the occupants is available from the source.