Casualties unknown

Low-Flying Aircraft Strikes Transmission Lines on Highway 400 (N2371G)

Piedmont, KS, US

On January 18, 2001, a Cessna 182B (registration N2371G) was involved in an aviation accident near Piedmont, KS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain obstacle clearance. Contributing factors were low altitude maneuvering and the transmission wire. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane maneuvering at low altitude along Highway 400 in Kansas impacted transmission lines. Wreckage examination found no anomalies. Regulations cite minimum flight altitudes and hazards of low-level flight.

Accident Overview

An aircraft was reported to have been maneuvering at altitudes between 35 and 150 feet above ground level (AGL) along Highway 400 when it struck transmission lines that traversed the highway. The incident occurred approximately 40 miles east of Wichita, Kansas.

Aircraft and Maneuvering

The airplane was engaged in low-altitude flight operations over a sparsely populated area. According to reports, the aircraft was flying within an altitude range of 35 to 150 feet AGL during its maneuvers along the highway corridor.

Impact with Transmission Lines

While in flight, the airplane collided with transmission lines that crossed over Highway 400. The lines were situated along the flight path of the aircraft.

Wreckage Examination

Following the accident, investigators examined the wreckage. The examination revealed no anomalies in the aircraft's structure or systems that would have contributed to the event.

Regulatory Context

Aeronautical guidance information and federal aviation regulations address minimum flight altitudes and the hazards associated with low-altitude flight in sparsely populated areas. These regulations highlight the risks of flying at low levels, particularly near obstacles such as transmission lines.

Conclusion

The accident involved a low-flying aircraft that struck transmission lines while maneuvering along a highway in Kansas. No mechanical issues were identified in the wreckage. The incident underscores the presence of regulatory guidance on minimum safe altitudes and the dangers of low-level flight.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Jan 2001 Cessna 182B accident near Piedmont, KS?

An airplane maneuvering at low altitude along Highway 400 in Kansas impacted transmission lines. Wreckage examination found no anomalies. Regulations cite minimum flight altitudes and hazards of low-level flight.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Jan 2001 involved a Cessna 182B, registration N2371G, at Piedmont, KS.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain obstacle clearance. Contributing factors were low altitude maneuvering and the transmission wire.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010123X00343. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.