Overview
On February 16, 2024, at 1029 central standard time, a Cessna 172M, registration N9160H, was substantially damaged after colliding with powerlines and subsequently impacting the Black Warrior River near Brookwood, Alabama. The commercial pilot, flying a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, was fatally injured.
Witness Accounts
A witness fishing on the river reported seeing the airplane flying low along the river. It struck a set of powerlines, then hit the water and sank. By the time the witness reached the aircraft with his boat, it was already submerged.
Another witness observed the airplane flying “level” and low over the river with its engine operating at a “high rpm.” As he attempted to take a picture, the airplane collided with the powerlines. He then saw it veer left and descend into the river.
Powerline Strike
The powerlines spanning the river consisted of two 1-inch diameter cables: one neutral and one energized. They were approximately 60-80 feet above the water. The airplane severed the neutral cable; the energized cable remained intact. A witness in a camper at an adjacent campground reported a momentary flicker of power when the collision occurred.
Aircraft Examination
After recovery from the river, the aircraft exhibited substantial damage to the fuselage, wings, and empennage. The left wing remained attached, while the right wing had separated. The empennage was separated just aft of the fuselage, with the horizontal stabilizer, vertical stabilizer, and rudder minimally damaged. Impact marks consistent with a wire strike were observed on the lower left area of the empennage. Flight control continuity was established for all major controls to the cockpit.
The engine had separated from the airframe. Visual inspection revealed no obvious mechanical issues. Both propeller blades remained attached; one blade exhibited an aft bend of about 30° and a slight twist mid-span, while the other had deep sequential gouges on the leading edge consistent with a cable strike.
Mechanical Examination
Postaccident examination found no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Toxicology and Autopsy
Toxicology testing detected losartan and hydrochlorothiazide in the pilot’s heart blood and urine, drugs used for high blood pressure not considered impairing. An autopsy determined the cause of death as multiple blunt force injuries, with water immersion as a major contributory factor. Hypertensive and arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease was present, but medical evidence was insufficient to determine if a cardiac event contributed to the cause of death.