Incident Overview
An air taxi pilot lost control of an aircraft while maneuvering to avoid high-voltage power lines. The pilot was flying in formation with another aircraft at low altitude when the power lines were sighted. The other aircraft successfully pulled up and cleared the wires, but the accident pilot initiated a steep turn, stalled the airplane, and subsequently crashed. The aircraft caught fire upon impact, and the pilot died from extensive thermal injuries.
Flight Maneuvers
According to the official investigation, the pilot stalled the airplane while attempting a steep turn to evade the power lines. The loss of control occurred during maneuvering flight. The pilot failed to maintain adequate airspeed, did not follow proper procedures, and did not maintain clearance from obstacles or terrain.
Probable Cause
The official findings identified the probable cause as a loss of control in flight during maneuvering. Specific factors include the pilot's failure to follow procedures and directives, improper use of procedures, failure to maintain airspeed, and failure to maintain clearance.