Accident Details
The aircraft departed on a visual flight rules (VFR) cross-country flight after the non-instrument rated pilot received a weather briefing that included ceilings between 1,300 and 1,500 feet, as well as mountain obscurement. During the flight, the airplane struck the top guy wire of a tower, mid-span between the top of the tower and its ground anchor. As the airplane fell to the ground, it subsequently struck a 12,000-volt power line. A post-crash fire resulted from the impact.
The accident site was located 18 nautical miles east of a straight line course between the pilot's last departure point and his first navigational fix.
Pilot Information
The pilot possessed a valid Canadian pilot certificate but did not hold a current Canadian medical certificate. He also did not possess an FAA airman medical certificate or an FAA pilot certificate.
Weather Conditions
Power company personnel who responded to the resulting power outage reported that the top of the mountain was obscured by fog.
Navigation Equipment
The airplane was equipped with VOR receivers, and the pilot also had a GPS unit with him. The method of navigation used during the flight was not determined.
Sequence of Events
After departure, the pilot flew a route that deviated from the intended course, as the accident site was found 18 nm east of the straight line path between his last departure point and his first navigational fix. The aircraft struck a tower guy wire and then a power line, leading to a post-crash fire.