The pilot departed the airport for a local flight near Mount Pleasant, Texas, in a Cessna 152.
During the flight he observed family and friends on the ground and he maneuvered the airplane to overfly them at low altitude.
The plane struck power lines as the pilot set up for the flyover, and both ailerons and outboard portions of each wing separated.
He maintained control of the airplane until approaching the airport for landing. When he reduced power to land, the plane rolled to one side and hit the ground near the runway.
The pilot stated he did not see the wires due to the location of the sun.
The NTSB determined the probable cause as the pilot’s decision to maneuver the airplane at low altitude, resulting in the airplane hitting power lines.
NTSB Identification: CEN15CA095
This December 2014 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.
Look at the bright side…… At least he got to show his family what an Awsome pilot he is
He wouldn’t have seen the wires in any case regardless of the sun’s position. Have to look for the polls upon which the wires are strung.
That is correct we rotorheads look for the poles first then for position to the wires.. But in this case is was the nut holding the wheel as my father use to quote.
must have got his PPL and tried to showoff . SAD
There should be more penalty than just surrendering a license for such a foolish
violation of FAR and common sense. It is good that the pilot was not killed but he surely caused private flying to have a black mark.
Some people’s chirren ?