Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to see and avoid an antenna during low altitude maneuvering.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
According to the pilot, the airplane collided with a relay antenna during maneuvering flight as he searched for a friend's home. After the collision, the pilot regained control of the airplane and returned to the departure airport. No mechanical problems with the airplane were reported by the pilot.
Source record
Factual narrative
On August 18, 1996, at 1859 central daylight time, a Piper PA-38 N4405E, collided with a State Police relay antenna about 300 above the ground five miles east of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The personal flight operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The airplane received substantial damage, and the pilot and passenger were not injured. The flight departed Tuscaloosa at 1830. According to the pilot, the collision occurred as he searched for a friend's home in the vicinity of the relay antenna. After the collision, the pilot regained control of the airplane and returned to Tuscaloosa. No mechanical problems with the airplane were reported by the pilot. . -