Accident Overview
A 350-hour non-instrument rated private pilot was involved in an accident while attempting to land on runway 35 under dark night visual meteorological conditions. The pilot had been instructed by the air traffic control tower operator to report midfield downwind. As the aircraft approached, the controller contacted the pilot when the aircraft was abeam the approach end of runway 35, asking if he could see the runway. The pilot confirmed visual contact and was cleared to land.
Sequence of Events
Shortly after the landing clearance, the aircraft struck power lines that ran perpendicular to the approach end of runway 35. Tower personnel reported observing a "flash similar to the explosion of a transformer" at the time of the impact. No distress calls were received from the pilot prior to the accident.
Environmental Conditions
Runway 35 featured a displaced threshold of 1,964 feet and was equipped with runway lighting. At the time of the accident, the wind was reported from 320 degrees at 16 knots, gusting to 25 knots.
Investigation Findings
During the course of the investigation, no anomalies were noted in the airframe or engine. The pilot's qualifications included a private pilot certificate without an instrument rating and approximately 350 hours of flight experience.