Paved Road Landing Results in Power Line Strike and Nose-Down Impact (N734)

Incident Overview

A pilot elected to land on a paved road after performing three circling passes to check for obstacles and hazards. The pilot noted the presence of power lines and planned the final approach to pass well above them. However, during the final approach, the pilot lost sight of the power lines due to the early morning sun. The main landing gear subsequently impacted one of the power lines. Following the line strike, the airplane impacted the ground in a nose-down attitude, resulting in substantial damage.

Sequence of Events

• The pilot decided to land on a paved road and conducted three aerial surveys of the intended landing area to identify obstacles.
• Power lines were identified, and the pilot intended to maintain an approach path that would clear them.
• During the final approach, the early morning sun obscured the pilot's view of the power lines.
• The main landing gear contacted a power line.
• The airplane then struck the ground nose-first, causing substantial damage.

Damage Assessment

Substantial damage was sustained by the airplane as a result of the nose-down impact with the ground.