Accident Sequence
The airplane collided with power lines while maneuvering at low altitude. According to the airplane owner, the pilot had visited his residence around 0600 on the day of the accident to ask if he could take the owner's daughter on the flight. The owner replied that it was too early, so the pilot proceeded to the airport alone.
Around the time of the accident, the owner and his spouse were in their front yard with coffee and newspaper, walking toward the back of the house when they observed the accident airplane. The airplane made one low pass over them. On the second pass, the airplane was headed west and crossed over north-to-south power lines. The couple continued walking toward the back of the house as the airplane turned back toward the house. The owner then heard the sounds of the airplane contacting the power lines.
Post-Accident Observations
As the owner came to the front of the house, he saw the airplane coming to its final resting place approximately 150 feet from the power lines with its nose in the ground. The poles supporting the lines were measured at a height of 47 feet above ground level. The static power lines were about 2 feet below that, at a height of 45 feet. The most westerly static power line had been cut. The other cable remained connected to the poles but was wrapped around the airplane.
Investigation
The airframe and engine were inspected. Investigators established flight control continuity and engine continuity. No mechanical anomalies were found that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.