History of Flight
On March 29, 2021, about 1800 eastern daylight time, an Aviat Husky A-1, registration N800MH, was substantially damaged when it struck a power line and collided with terrain near Cave Springs, Georgia. The commercial pilot, who owned the airplane, was operating it under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. According to a witness, the pilot was circling low over his house and waving. After circling for about five minutes, the airplane departed the area. As it headed north, it collided with a power line. The airplane then pitched down abruptly and descended into a ravine, where it collided with the ground. The witness stated that the broken power line caused a power outage and ignited a brush fire due to contact with dry brush. The witness went to the ravine to assist the pilot and contacted local authorities.
Wreckage and Impact Information
Assessment of the wreckage site revealed that the power line was struck above the ravine where the airplane came to rest. The power line was broken and located about 500 feet aft of the airplane wreckage. All flight control components were present at the site. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the airframe and both wing assemblies. Postaccident examination of the wreckage found no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have prevented normal operation.
Medical and Pathological Information
The Office of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation performed an autopsy on the pilot. The cause of death was determined to be multiple blunt force injuries. Toxicology testing conducted at the Federal Aviation Administration Forensic Sciences Laboratory was negative for carbon monoxide and drugs.