Accident Overview
On August 29, 2019, at approximately 1600 mountain daylight time, a Beech BE-33 airplane, registration N9529Y, was substantially damaged when it struck power distribution lines near St. Ignatius, Montana. The pilot and two passengers sustained fatal injuries. The airplane was operated as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Flight Details
The flight was a multi-leg cross-country trip with the intended destination of St. Ignatius Airport (52S). Witnesses located on a ranch observed the airplane approaching, then saw sparks and a wing separating as it passed through a set of power distribution lines. One witness noted that the pilot’s approach was “as usual” because he often flew over the ranch to alert those there before landing, but added that the pilot had “never seen him that low.” The pilot’s wife reported that he had flown to the airport numerous times and was going there to assist with an electrical issue.
Video Evidence
A GoPro video camera attached to the top of the right wing near the wing root recorded multiple short videos of the first two legs of the flight. One video showed the airplane overflying a set of power distribution lines and continuing to descend as it approached the ranch from the west. After arriving over the ranch, the airplane flew past a second set of power distribution lines that appeared to be at the same altitude as the airplane. Immediately after passing the lines, the video camera pointed upward, and the airplane appeared to roll left as it descended toward the ground.
Wreckage and Impact
The airplane impacted and severed one of three power lines strung between towers. Another wire remained intact with a section of airplane sheet metal attached. At their lowest point, the wires were approximately 53 ft above ground level. The airplane came to rest inverted in a flat hay field. The entire left wing separated from the fuselage in two sections: the inboard section was found near the main wreckage, while the outboard 4-foot section, along with portions of the vertical stabilizer and rudder, was located about 100 ft from the power lines. The separated wing section displayed striations consistent with the size and diameter of the power transmission lines.
Mechanical Examination
Examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.