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Casualties unknown

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

Jal, NM, US

On December 1, 2004, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N734) was involved in an aviation accident near Jal, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the power lines. Contributing factors include the power lines, the sun glare, the pilot's reduced visual lookout, the pilot’s improper in-flight planning and decision making and the pilot's failure to perform a… 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

A pilot attempting to land on a paved road struck power lines with the main landing gear during final approach, leading to a nose-down impact and substantial damage.

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.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Dec 2004 Piper PA-18-150 accident near Jal, NM?

A pilot attempting to land on a paved road struck power lines with the main landing gear during final approach, leading to a nose-down impact and substantial damage.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Dec 2004 involved a Piper PA-18-150, registration N734, at Jal, NM.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the power lines. Contributing factors include the power lines, the sun glare, the pilot's reduced visual lookout, the pilot’s improper in-flight planning and decision making and the pilot's failure to perform a go-around procedure after losing sight of the power lines.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20041209X01961. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.