Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's inadequate visual lookout, and improper altitude.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported he and a passenger were flying over a local lake looking at the fall foliage, when the airplane struck an unseen powerline and crashed into the lake. Witnesses reported seeing the airplane flying very low over the lake, climb slightly and strike the powerline. The height of the powerline was approximately 50 feet above the lake.
Source record
Factual narrative
On October 5, 1994, about 1830 central daylight time, a Cessna 150 airplane, N66224, sustained substantial damage following an in-flight collision with a powerline near Carbondale, Illinois. The private pilot and the sole passenger aboard reported minor injuries. The local, 14 CFR Part 91 flight operated in visual meteorological conditions without flight plan. The pilot reported they were flying over Cedar lake looking at the fall foliage colors when the airplane struck an unseen power line and crashed into Cedar Lake. Witnesses reported the airplane had been flying at a very low altitude over the lake, appeared to climb slightly and struck the powerline. The height of the powerline was approximately 50 feet above the lake. -