The instructor pilot and a student were flying in the Piper J3-Cub near Selma N.C., when the CFI attempted to make a landing on a grass strip.
During the approach the Cub collided with unmarked power lines and flipped over.
The airplane came to rest on the ground upside down, resulting in minor injuries to the CFI and student and substantial damage to the airplane.
The NTSB determined the probable cause as the instructor pilot’s inadequate visual lookout, which resulted in a collision with power lines and then the ground.
NTSB Identification: ERA13CA234
This May 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.
Knowing where the IP was setting (rear seat) he should have told the student (front seat occupant) to look for wires and power poles. I always looked for power pools during my helo. training. They are far easier to see than wires day time of night. Then drag the runway or field assess the issues and dangers. Continue on with a safe approach to the field without incident or just wave off and find a good spot to land. Remember, if the engine is still putting out power you can always elect to go-a-round.
“A grass strip…” Is that a bona fide grass landing strip at an airfield, or just a grass field somewhere in the boonies? Seems to me a scan of the approach would reveal power poles, no? And, not likely on the approach to an airfield.
The last thing these airplanes always collide with is the ground for some reason.
I hope they are gonna be ok.
That reason would of course be gravity which always wins, always.