Casualties unknown

2007-06-24: Cessna 170A (N1316D) — Bozeman, MT

Bozeman, MT, US

On June 24, 2007, a Cessna 170A (registration N1316D) was involved in an aviation accident near Bozeman, MT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate visual lookout and failure to maintain airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and uncontrolled descent into terrain while manuevering to avoid the transmission lines. The sun glare was a factor. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot flying low and slow over a ranch attempted to avoid transmission lines obscured by the sun, stalled, and crashed. No mechanical issues were reported.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported flying a single-engine airplane over a family member's ranch at low altitude in a slow flight configuration. While proceeding northbound, the pilot attempted to regain airspeed and noticed transmission lines that had previously been visually obstructed by the sun. To avoid the lines, the pilot pulled back on the control yoke. The airplane subsequently stalled and descended uncontrolled to the ground.

Pilot Statement

The pilot stated that there were no mechanical abnormalities that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane prior to the accident. No other information regarding the aircraft, operator, or location was provided.

Sequence of Events

According to the pilot, the flight was conducted over a ranch owned by a family member. The airplane was in a low-altitude, slow flight configuration. As the pilot proceeded northbound and attempted to regain airspeed, the transmission lines became visible after being previously obstructed by the sun. The pilot's evasive action—pulling back on the control yoke—led to a stall. The airplane then descended uncontrollably and struck the ground.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20070723X01002. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.