Casualties unknown

Airplane Strikes Power Line While Approaching Airport at Night (N6606P)

Fond DU Lac, WI, US

On November 4, 2002, a Piper PA-24 (registration N6606P) was involved in an aviation accident near Fond DU Lac, WI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot failed to maintain obstacle clearance from the power lines while on a night VFR approach. Factors to the accident included the dark night and the power lines. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

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

An airplane struck a 110-foot power line 2.2 nautical miles south of its destination airport, resulting in destruction by impact and post-crash fire. The accident occurred at night under visual meteorological conditions, with no flight plan filed.

Accident Overview

The airplane was destroyed after colliding with a 110-foot-high power line located 2.2 nautical miles south of the destination airport. The impact with the terrain and subsequent fire consumed the aircraft. The flight was conducted at night under visual meteorological conditions, and no flight plan had been filed.

Witness Account

A witness positioned approximately one mile south of the power lines reported observing an airplane with its lights illuminated, flying from south to north at a very low altitude. According to the witness, the airplane’s altitude appeared to be roughly 50 feet higher than the power lines at the time of observation.

Aircraft Examination

A post-accident inspection of the airplane found no evidence of pre-impact mechanical anomalies. The examination did not identify any issues with the airframe, engine, or systems that would have contributed to the event.

Circumstances

The accident occurred during the approach phase, close to the intended landing site. The specific reason for the low altitude and the pilot’s actions leading to the power line strike were not detailed in the investigation.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20021108X05450. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.