Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance. A factor was the marked transmission wire.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that while on final approach, 'The right landing gear hooked the power line and sheared off the wheel and landing gear.' He reported that the impact with the power line, 'Spun airplane around and cartwheeled.' He reported that the airplane struck the ground and came to rest in an up-right attitude. Post accident investigation revealed no anomalies with the accident aircraft.
Source record
Factual narrative
On July 27, 1997, at 1820 central daylight time, a Kearns RV-6, N35K, sustained substantial damage when it impacted power lines during final approach to Runway 32 (2,764 feet by 75 feet, dry/asphalt) at the Harrisburg-Raleigh Airport, Harrisburg, Illinois. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal flight was operating under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 and was not on a flight plan. The pilot reported no injuries and his one passenger sustained minor injuries. The local flight departed Harrisburg-Raleigh Airport at 1810 and was returning to the airport at the time of the accident. According to the pilot-in-command's written statement, while on final approach, "The right landing gear hooked the power line and sheared off the wheel and landing gear." The pilot reported that the impact with the power line, "Spun airplane around and cartwheeled." The pilot reported that the airplane struck the ground and came to rest in an up-right attitude. Post accident investigation revealed no anomalies with the accident aircraft. -