The pilot reported that, about 50′ above the ground during a “low recon” over a river bar near Bonners Ferry, Idaho, he did not see power lines crossing the river until they were about 10′ in front of the airplane.
The Cessna 172’s empennage struck the wires.
He added power and initiated a climb. He returned to the airport and landed without further incident.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage.
Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to see and avoid power lines while maneuvering at a low altitude.
NTSB Identification: GAA18CA044
This November 2017 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.
Shouldnt be flying lol
Unless he was trying to land there. Have to get low to land. The general assumption should be that people try and do things right but mess up. I know very few people who break rules for no reason.
What is a ‘low recon flight?’ This guy was violating FARs. To wit: “…lowest safe altitude (LSALT) is an altitude that is at least 500 feet above any obstacle or terrain within a defined safety buffer region around a particular route that a pilot might fly.”