Casualties unknown

Airplane Strikes Transmission Lines During Low-Altitude Maneuver (N6912H)

Yadkinville, NC, US

On June 23, 2005, a Piper J3C-65 (registration N6912H) operated by George P Scarlett was involved in an aviation accident near Yadkinville, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilots failure to maintain adequate clearance from object and inadequate visual look-out while maneuvering resulted in an in-flight collision with power lines. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane collided with two transmission lines while maneuvering low along a highway. The pilot applied full power and the aircraft pitched up, causing power lines to tangle around the left wing, leading to a roll and ground impact. No mechanical failure was found.

Maneuver and Initial Events

The airplane was observed flying at low altitude along highway 601. During this flight, the pilot performed a maneuver commonly referred to as "buzzing," directed at a worker operating a tractor. While maintaining low altitude, the aircraft collided with two overhead transmission lines.

Sequence Following the Collision

Upon contacting the transmission lines, the pilot appeared to increase engine power to full. Subsequently, the airplane experienced a dramatic pitch-up attitude. The power lines became entangled around the left wing structure. The airplane then rolled inverted, executed a half-loop maneuver, and ultimately impacted the ground.

Post-Accident Examination

Investigators conducted a thorough examination of the wreckage. The examination determined that all primary and secondary flight control surfaces were attached to the airframe. Control cable continuity was verified for all flight control systems. The inspection found no evidence of pre-impact mechanical failure or malfunction in the airframe, engine, or control systems.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050628X00878. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.