The student pilot, who had logged 24 hours, including eight in the Bellanca Viking, accompanied by a passenger, took off at night from Plainview, Texas, although as a student pilot, flight with a passenger was prohibited.
Visual conditions prevailed. During cruise flight, the plane hit a power line located 102 feet above ground. The power line broke through the cockpit windshield, injuring the pilot. The airplane descended and crashed.
The student pilot’s certificate was revoked after the accident.
The NTSB determined the probable cause of the accident as the student pilot’s improper decision to fly in night visual meteorological conditions and his failure to maintain altitude and clearance from obstacles.
NTSB Identification: CEN13LA211
This March 2013 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Hit a power line 100 feet off of the ground, with a passenger as a student. I agree. Deny it forever.
If you read the report, you will see that he also wouldn’t return the NTSB’s phone call, and didn’t fill out the accident form that they mailed to him. I’d be surprised if they gave him a ticket to fly.
Andy’s comment is correct. Additionally, I would hope the FAA denies him a license of any kind forever. We do not need people like that taking to the sky.
He’s lucky their lives weren’t revoked.