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Casualties unknown

Airplane Collides with Tower Support Cable During Maneuver (N75812)

Moselle, MS, US

On April 24, 2004, a Cessna 172N (registration N75812) operated by James W. Parry was involved in an aviation accident near Moselle, MS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance and his inadequate visual look-out while maneuvering resulting in an in-flight collision with a radio tower. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

Witnesses observed an airplane circling a radio tower, then pitching up and colliding with a suspension cable, striking the tower with its right wing. No anomalies found in airframe, flight controls, or engine.

Witness Account

Two witnesses reported observing an airplane flying eastbound at an altitude between 400 and 500 feet above ground level near a radio tower. The aircraft circled the tower once, then began a second orbit heading east. As the airplane rounded the tower, the nose pitched up, and it struck one of the tower's suspension cables. The right wing then collided with the tower structure, causing the nose to pitch down. The airplane subsequently disappeared from view behind nearby trees.

Examination Findings

Post-accident examination revealed orange paint transfer on the leading edge of the right wing, outboard of the right wing strut attachment fitting, extending to the separated wing tip. Orange paint was also present on a separated section of the right aileron. Additionally, wire marks were found on the leading edge of the rudder assembly. Inspection of the airframe, flight controls, and engine assembly revealed no anomalies.

Related events

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Apr 2004 Cessna 172N accident near Moselle, MS?

Witnesses observed an airplane circling a radio tower, then pitching up and colliding with a suspension cable, striking the tower with its right wing. No anomalies found in airframe, flight controls, or engine.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Apr 2004 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N75812, operated by James W. Parry, at Moselle, MS.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance and his inadequate visual look-out while maneuvering resulting in an in-flight collision with a radio tower.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040429X00533. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.