Overview
On October 26, 2008, at approximately 1330 central daylight time, a Cessna R172E aircraft, registered as N42FG, was destroyed when it collided with power lines and subsequently impacted terrain in a river. The accident occurred about 7 miles southeast of Palo Pinto, Texas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time. The personal flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 without a flight plan.
Flight Details
The aircraft was registered to and operated by the pilot, who was the sole occupant. The flight originated from Hicks Airfield (T67) in Fort Worth, Texas, around 1230. The pilot intended to exercise the engine and aircraft for approximately one hour. He flew southwest to Mineral Wells before turning to return to T67.
Pilot's Account
According to the pilot's accident report, he decided to get a closer look at animals in the Brazos River bottom. He noted that two power lines, supported by 40-foot poles, spanned 900 feet across the river valley at a height of 112 feet above the riverbed. The lines lacked markers. The pilot struck these lines and was subsequently medevacked to a nearby hospital with serious injuries.
Pilot Information
The pilot indicated in his report that his last medical certificate was dated January 23, 1998, and his last biennial flight review was June 15, 1999. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the pilot voluntarily surrendered his pilot certificate.