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Amphibious Airplane Strikes Power Lines on Final Approach to Lake (N314MA)

Minocqua, WI, US

On August 26, 2006, an Aviat A-1B (registration N314MA) was involved in an aviation accident near Minocqua, WI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The inadvertent collision with power lines. A factor associated with the accident was the water which blended in with the power lines resulting in the pilot's inability to see them prior to contact. 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

An amphibious airplane collided with power lines while on final approach to land on a lake. The pilot and passenger exited without injury. The power lines blended with the water and were not marked with orange balls as previously.

Incident Description

An amphibious airplane collided with power lines while on final approach to land on a lake. The pilot reported that he flew upwind over the lake at an altitude of 500 feet above the water to look for boats and obstructions. Seeing none, he entered a traffic pattern to land. He stated that during final approach, slightly below tree top level, the airplane contacted the power line.

Pilot Actions

The pilot reported that he instantly applied full power and back elevator in an attempt to keep the airplane level. The airplane then "pancaked" into the water. The pilot and passenger exited the airplane without injury.

Site Inspection

Inspection of the landing site revealed that the poles supporting the power lines were located in wooded areas on both sides of the water. The color of the power line blended with the water. The pilot reported that residents who live on the lake informed him that the power lines were previously marked with orange balls until the lines were replaced a couple years ago, at which time the balls were removed.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 26 Aug 2006 Aviat A-1B accident near Minocqua, WI?

An amphibious airplane collided with power lines while on final approach to land on a lake. The pilot and passenger exited without injury. The power lines blended with the water and were not marked with orange balls as previously.

Were there any fatalities in the 26 Aug 2006 Aviat A-1B accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 26 Aug 2006 involved an Aviat A-1B, registration N314MA, at Minocqua, WI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The inadvertent collision with power lines. A factor associated with the accident was the water which blended in with the power lines resulting in the pilot's inability to see them prior to contact.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060908X01315. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.