Accident Details
On 21 December 2000, at 0835Z, a Piper PA28-180 aircraft, registration ZS-LJN, departed Fly-In for a touch-and-go landing at Kitty Hawk. The pilot held a private pilot license and had 41.6 hours on the aircraft type. The flight was a private operation with four occupants on board.
Sequence of Events
Shortly after completing the touch-and-go landing at Kitty Hawk, the pilot observed that the aircraft was hesitant to gain sufficient altitude. To avoid a potential collision with a power line pylon, the pilot turned slightly to the left. As the aircraft passed over the high-tension wire, the engine began to run rough and a complete loss of power occurred. To maintain flying speed, the pilot lowered the nose and executed a forced landing in an open field.
Injuries and Damage
Upon touchdown, the engine caught fire. The occupants managed to escape, but shortly thereafter the aircraft was destroyed by the ensuing fire. Two passengers were seriously injured, while the pilot and one passenger sustained only minor injuries. No fatalities occurred.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the accident was an engine failure, which necessitated an emergency landing in an open field. The specific cause of the engine failure could not be determined.