Landing Gear Strikes Static Line During Approach to Grass Airstrip (N93058)

Incident Overview

According to personnel at the private grass airstrip, the pilot was made aware of a 'high line wire' on the north end of the airstrip. The airplane was observed flying a left-hand traffic pattern for runway 17. One witness reported that during the final approach to the runway, the airplane 'didn't look high enough,' although the approach 'appeared normal and steady,' and the gear appeared 'normal and down.' Another witness reported observing the 'plane hit the power line with the landing gear.'

Impact and Examination

The airplane struck the top static steel line and subsequently impacted the ground 170 feet south of the power lines. Examination of the nose landing gear strut revealed numerous straight-line witness marks consistent with the diameter of the downed static line. No anomalies were found during the examination of the airframe or powerplant that would have rendered the airplane or engine incapable of operation prior to striking the steel line.