What happened
On January 2, 2019, at approximately 1650 mountain standard time, a Cessna 180, registration N4934A, was involved in an accident near Townsend, Montana. The aircraft was being operated under Part 91 for personal use.
A witness observed the airplane flying west approximately 2.5 miles from Townsend Airport (8U8). The aircraft was seen making a sharp left turn over the Missouri River at an altitude estimated between 15 and 20 feet. The aircraft eventually disappeared from the witness's view behind a riverbank.
Following the event, local authorities reported broken power transmission lines crossing the Missouri River. The wreckage of the aircraft was located in a snow-covered field approximately 1/4 mile southeast of the power lines. The impact sequence involved the aircraft flying east over the river, striking a tree, and then hitting the ground. The aircraft came to rest in an upright position, though the landing gear separated, the wings buckled, and the forward fuselage and cabin area sustained heavy distortion. The accident resulted in 2 serious injuries and 0 fatalities.
The investigation
Post-accident examination of the engine and airframe showed no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have prevented normal operation. Investigators found impact marks on the rudder consistent with a cable strike, and the vertical stabilizer exhibited both cable strikes and evidence of electrical arcing.
Astronomical data indicated that the accident occurred approximately one minute before sunset. While the pilot had no memory of the flight, the passenger stated that a line wire obstructed the flight path near the end of the trip.