Accident Details
The airplane was substantially damaged when it impacted power lines and subsequently hit the ground, coming to rest on a highway that runs through an east-west gap in a line of small mountains. Power lines cross this gap approximately perpendicular to the roadway, strung between towers on ridges on either side of the road. The towers stood about 80 feet tall, and the ridges were about 380 feet above the roadway. The power line that was struck was not the uppermost wire and was approximately 243 feet above the road. The power lines were not marked with high visibility devices, nor were the towers lighted.
Witness Observations
Witnesses reported seeing the airplane flying at a low altitude along the roadway and then striking the power lines.
Aircraft Fuel System
The fuel selector valve was positioned for the left fuel tank. Both fuel tanks were found to be empty. The left fuel tank was damaged but not ruptured, and the right fuel tank was ruptured. A fuel odor was present at the accident site. Fuel consumption calculations predicted that the fuel used for the flight would not have exceeded the capacity of the selected fuel tank.
Preimpact Condition
No preimpact anomalies were found with respect to the airplane, its engine, or systems.