No fatalities

Low-Level Sightseeing Flight Results in Power Line Collision and Precautionary Landing

Garfield, WA, United States

On February 15, 2015, a PIPER PA28 - 180 180 was involved in an aviation accident near Garfield, WA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot did not maintain clearance from a power line while maneuvering at a low altitude. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot inadvertently collided with an unmarked power line during a low-level sightseeing flight, causing substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot made a precautionary landing in a field.

Accident Description

The pilot reported that while conducting a low-level sightseeing flight, the airplane's left wing inadvertently collided with an unmarked power line. After the collision, the pilot performed a precautionary landing in a field. No further incidents occurred during the landing.

Aircraft Damage

A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the left wing. No other damage was reported.

Pilot's Report

The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

Causes

Pilot

Other contributing factors

Effect on operation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Feb 2015 PIPER PA28 - 180 180 accident near Garfield, WA?

A pilot inadvertently collided with an unmarked power line during a low-level sightseeing flight, causing substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot made a precautionary landing in a field.

Were there any fatalities in the 15 Feb 2015 PIPER PA28 - 180 180 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Feb 2015 involved a PIPER PA28 - 180 180, at Garfield, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot did not maintain clearance from a power line while maneuvering at a low altitude.