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Aircraft Strikes Unmarked Wires and Crashes on Private Airstrip Approach (N4478B)

Widener, AR, US

On June 24, 2003, a Cessna 170B (registration N4478B) was involved in an aviation accident near Widener, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the wires and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed, resulting in a stall. A factor contributing to the accident was the unmarked wires. 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 struck unmarked wires and terrain while approaching a private airstrip. The pilot attempted to avoid the wires but clipped them, then stalled and impacted the ground, causing the aircraft to roll over.

Incident Overview

According to the pilot's report, the accident occurred while the airplane was on approach to a private airstrip. The pilot stated that he was at a low altitude and observed wires in front of the aircraft. He attempted to maneuver to avoid the wires but "clipped them anyway."

Sequence of Events

After striking the wires, the pilot indicated that he tried to continue the landing. However, the airplane stalled several feet above the ground. The main landing gear made contact with the terrain first, and subsequently, the aircraft rolled over. The wires involved were not marked for increased visibility.

Conditions and Findings

The investigation noted that the wires were not marked for increased visibility. No other contributing factors or causal links were provided in the official source. The report focuses solely on the pilot's account and the absence of wire markings.

Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Jun 2003 Cessna 170B accident near Widener, AR?

An airplane struck unmarked wires and terrain while approaching a private airstrip. The pilot attempted to avoid the wires but clipped them, then stalled and impacted the ground, causing the aircraft to roll over.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Jun 2003 involved a Cessna 170B, registration N4478B, at Widener, AR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the wires and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed, resulting in a stall. A factor contributing to the accident was the unmarked wires.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030626X00961. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.