Casualties unknown

2000-07-02: Beech 65-A90 (N983K) — Skydive Lake Wales — Lake Wales, FL

Lake Wales, FL, US

On July 2, 2000, a Beech 65-A90 (registration N983K) operated by Skydive Lake Wales was involved in an aviation accident near Lake Wales, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate visual lookout while maneuvering to avoid a flock of birds shortly after takeoff, resulting in the aircraft colliding with a wire. A factor in the accident was the pilot's fatigue after having worked everyday for the previous 3 weeks. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

After takeoff, a pilot evaded birds, raised flaps, and struck a wire with the right wing during a climb maneuver. The pilot reported fatigue from three weeks of continuous work.

Incident Overview

During the initial climb after takeoff, the pilot raised the landing gear and then performed an evasive maneuver to the right to avoid a flock of birds. As part of the evasive action, he raised the flaps. The aircraft was slow, so he kept the nose down to build airspeed for the climb. Just as he was about to commence the climb, he saw a wire ahead. He pulled up rapidly, but the right wing made contact with the wire. The wire broke. The pilot then entered the downwind leg and landed on runway 6.

Pilot Statement

The pilot stated that he was fatigued, frustrated, and disappointed. He had worked straight for the previous three weeks and had been unable to get a day off.

Aircraft Damage

The source does not specify damage to the aircraft. The wire was reported to have broken.

Injuries

No injuries were reported in the source.

Probable Cause

No probable cause was stated in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X21539. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.