Accident Overview
On June 22, 2022, at 1007 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-18A (registration N1927A) sustained substantial damage when it struck power lines and subsequently impacted the Connecticut River near Charlestown, New Hampshire. The airline transport pilot, who was the sole occupant, was seriously injured. The flight was conducted as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
The pilot had departed Hartness State Airport (VSF) in Springfield, Vermont, around 1000, and proceeded east toward the river. He reported flying low over the water to scout a potential future floatplane landing site. After climbing to clear high-tension power lines crossing the river, he heard a loud bang, followed by a loss of engine power and vibrations. Unable to restore power or maintain altitude, he attempted to land in an open field adjacent to the river, but the airplane struck the power lines, which were unmarked but depicted on the sectional aeronautical chart. The wires were approximately 30 to 40 feet above the river and spanned its full width. The airplane then hit the water and came to rest mid-river.
Witness Observations
A witness at a boat ramp about 2 nautical miles north of the accident site observed the airplane flying from the north, passing over a bridge, and descending toward the river. The witness recorded a video, timestamped at 1003, showing the airplane flying south very low over the water, between 10 and 20 feet, making aggressive turns and following the river's contour until it disappeared around a bend. Another witness near the accident site noted the airplane was flying unusually low and expressed awareness of nearby power lines. The Charlestown dispatch received a 911 call at 1008, approximately five minutes after the witness video timestamp.
Aircraft and Weather Information
The airplane was not equipped with amphibious floats and was configured with a tailwheel at the time of the accident. Weather conditions were conducive for serious carburetor ice formation at glide power, according to Federal Aviation Administration Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin CE-09-35, “Carburetor Icing Prevention,” based on the weather report from VSF, located about 7.5 nautical miles northwest of the accident site.
Post-Accident Examination
The airframe, both wings, and empennage sustained substantial damage. Examination of the engine and components revealed powertrain continuity. The crankshaft rotated via the propeller and produced adequate compression on all cylinders. Spark plugs showed no discrepancies. Magnetos were examined by a mechanic and produced spark, though block finger electrodes and rotor electrodes were noted as worn. Fuel system examination was prevented by damage and water submersion. No obvious discrepancies were found that would have prevented the engine from producing power.