Accident Details
On March 18, 2018, about 0830 Pacific daylight time, a CubCrafters CC11-160 airplane, registration N1951B, crashed in a river following a wire strike near Browns Valley, California. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained serious injuries. The airplane was substantially damaged, including the fuselage and both wings.
The aircraft was registered to Plane Fun LLC, Roseville, California, and operated by the pilot under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a local personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from Lincoln Regional Airport (LHM) in Lincoln, California at 0800.
According to the pilot, he was maneuvering about 500 feet over an unpopulated area, studying the river, when he believed the airplane lost altitude and hit something. A fire broke out, and the airplane subsequently crashed into the river. The pilot later reported being told that he struck a power line.
Witness Account
A witness on the river shore near the accident site reported observing a yellow airplane maneuvering at an altitude slightly higher than a telephone pole. The airplane circled the area a few times before disappearing behind a pile of dredger tailings. The witness then heard an explosion and, upon reacquiring sight of the airplane, noticed flames emanating from the right side of the fuselage. The witness lost sight of the aircraft just before it impacted the river.
Wreckage and Damage
The river at the accident site flows generally east to west. The power lines, approximately 200 feet high, run generally north to south across the river and extend about one mile. The wreckage was located roughly 2,000 feet east of the power lines, in about three feet of water.
A representative from the powerline company assessed the damage and reported that six power lines were severed, leaving 16 residences without power.
Pilot Statement
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.