Casualties unknown

Low-Level Maneuvering Flight Ends After Wire Strike (N82751)

Rio Vista, CA, US

On March 13, 2000, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N82751) was involved in an aviation accident near Rio Vista, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: failure of the pilot to maintain clearance from power lines while maneuvering at a low altitude. A factor was glare from the sun. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During low-level maneuvering near wind generators and power lines, a pilot was temporarily blinded by sun glare and struck a wire with the right main gear, causing the airplane to fall.

Incident Overview

The pilot was conducting low-level maneuvering in an area with wind generators and power lines for approximately 30 minutes. During this time, he initiated a slow right climbing turn toward a new work area located to the right front of the airplane. Initially, the sun was behind a cloud, allowing the pilot to see power lines and wind generators in the new work area.

Sequence of Events

Moments after beginning the turn, the sun emerged from behind the cloud and temporarily blinded the pilot. At that instant, the rear seat observer called out to 'look out.' The pilot then noted wires angling across his flight path as he was flying up a draw. He maneuvered to avoid the wires but contacted the last wire with his right main gear. The wire snapped, and the airplane fell to the ground.

Aircraft and Conditions

The source does not specify the aircraft type, registration, number of occupants, injuries, or damage details. The time of day, weather characterization, and ATC involvement are also unspecified. The only mentioned environmental factors are wind generators, power lines, sun glare, and a draw.

Outcome

The airplane fell to the ground after the wire snapped. No further details about the outcome or persons involved are provided in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X20683. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.