On December 2, 1999, a Beech B-19 (registration N4617M) was involved in an aviation accident near Grand Coulee, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power transmission lines. Factors include dark night conditions. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a night cross-country instructional flight, the instructor diverted to an alternate airport. While maneuvering, the aircraft struck 250-foot-high power lines three miles from the airport. Both pilots reported no memory of events from the divert to the accident.
Incident Overview
A night cross-country instructional flight ended in a collision with power lines after the instructor decided to divert to an alternate airport. The aircraft struck high-voltage power lines approximately 250 feet above ground level while maneuvering in the vicinity of the alternate airport, three miles from the field.
Pilot Statements
Both pilots stated they were unable to recall any detailed events from the time they diverted to the alternate airport up to the moment of the accident. No further recollection of the sequence of actions during that period was provided.
Chart Information
The power lines involved are depicted on the sectional chart, indicating their presence in the area. The lines were located about three miles from the airport and stood roughly 250 feet above ground level.