On July 15, 2000, a Piper PA-22-160 (registration N8768D) was involved in an aviation accident near Lancaster, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed and altitude during an approach in gusty wind conditions, which resulted in loss of lift and contact with power lines. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot encountered severe wind gusts while approaching a dirt airstrip, resulting in loss of lift and contact with power lines before the aircraft crashed nose-first into the ground.
What happened
The pilot was conducting an approach to a dirt airstrip where he based his airplane. During the final phase of the flight, the aircraft encountered significant wind gusts. The pilot reported that these gusts buffeted the airplane, causing a loss of lift. As the aircraft struggled to maintain altitude and control, it came into contact with power lines located approximately 30 feet above ground level. Following this impact, the airplane descended nose first and struck the ground.
Findings
The primary factors contributing to the accident were the wind gusts that caused a loss of lift during the approach. The pilot's inability to maintain sufficient altitude resulted in contact with the power lines and the subsequent crash. No specific mechanical failure or weather condition other than the gusts was identified as a contributing factor.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed and altitude during an approach in gusty wind conditions, which resulted in loss of lift and contact with power lines.