Accident Details
On March 26, 2013, at approximately 2200 central daylight time, a Bellanca 17-30A, registration N96JG, struck a power line while in cruise flight near Plainview, Texas. The airplane was operated by the pilot under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight without a flight plan. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The local flight originated from Hale County Airport in Plainview at an unknown time.
Injuries and Damage
The student pilot sustained minor injuries, while the passenger was uninjured. The airplane experienced substantial damage to the wing. According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, the power line was approximately 102 feet in height. The line broke the windshield, and the airplane subsequently descended into terrain. The lower or upper portions of the fuselage or empennage were also struck by the power line.
Pilot and Operations
The pilot held a student pilot certificate, which was later revoked because the pilot did not hold a valid pilot certificate while carrying a passenger. The student pilot had accumulated approximately 24 total flight hours, with 8 hours in the Bellanca 17-30A make and model. No mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation were reported by the FAA.
Post-Accident Communication
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Investigator-in-Charge (IIC) left a voicemail for the student pilot on April 15, 2013, requesting contact. The student pilot did not respond. A NTSB Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report (Form 6120.1) was sent on April 17, 2013, but was not returned by the pilot.