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Aircraft Strikes Power Transmission Wires in Mountain Valley, Continues to Destination (N337GD)

Temecula, CA, US

On May 27, 2001, a Cessna 337G (registration N337GD) was involved in an aviation accident near Temecula, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's intentional flight into adverse weather while operating under visual flight rules, his failure to maintain a cruising altitude sufficient to remain clear of power transmission wires, and his failure to maintain a visual lookout sufficient to see… 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

While en route under VFR in low ceiling and poor visibility, an airplane struck power transmission wires 120 feet above ground level, sustaining damage to the windshield, cabin ceiling, doorposts, and a wing strut. The pilot continued to the intended destination, the nearest airport.

Incident Overview

According to the investigation, the aircraft was en route, following a roadway through a mountain valley while operating under visual flight rules. Conditions were characterized by low ceiling and poor visibility. During the flight, the airplane struck marked power transmission wires approximately 120 feet above ground level.

Damage Sustained

The impact caused the windshield to be broken out. Additionally, the cabin ceiling and doorposts were deformed, and one wing strut was damaged.

Continuation of Flight

Despite the damage, the pilot continued the flight to his intended destination, which was the nearest airport. No further incidents were reported during the remainder of the flight.

Weather Conditions

Weather at the nearest reporting point, located 14 miles away and approximately 1,500 feet lower in elevation, reported scattered clouds at 1,000 feet above ground level and an overcast ceiling at 1,500 feet above ground level.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 May 2001 Cessna 337G accident near Temecula, CA?

While en route under VFR in low ceiling and poor visibility, an airplane struck power transmission wires 120 feet above ground level, sustaining damage to the windshield, cabin ceiling, doorposts, and a wing strut. The pilot continued to the intended destination, the nearest airport.

Were there any fatalities in the 27 May 2001 Cessna 337G accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 May 2001 involved a Cessna 337G, registration N337GD, at Temecula, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's intentional flight into adverse weather while operating under visual flight rules, his failure to maintain a cruising altitude sufficient to remain clear of power transmission wires, and his failure to maintain a visual lookout sufficient to see and avoid the power transmission wires.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010611X01139. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.