Incident Overview
After arriving in the area of the accident, the pilot initially flew north while low over the trees along the side of the Pend Oreille River. He then reversed course and headed south at an altitude of about 100 feet or less over the river. As the aircraft proceeded south over the river, it impacted a pair of unmarked power transmission wires that stretched across the river.
Impact and Descent
Upon contacting the power lines, the aircraft's pitch attitude rotated to a near vertical position, and it descended almost straight down into the river. In less than two minutes after hitting the water surface, the aircraft sank in approximately 10 feet of water.
Power Line Details
It was later determined that the power lines were between 80 and 90 feet above the river surface. The wires were unmarked.
Aircraft Damage
Inspection of the aircraft revealed that the wires had contacted the propeller, the lower portion of the fuselage just aft of the door frames, and the vertical stabilizer leading edge where it intersects the fuselage.
Control and Engine
Control continuity was established to the elevator, and there was no indication of any anomaly associated with the engine.