Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from transmission lines. A contributing factor was the low altitude selected by the pilot.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The non-certificated pilot was manuvering his aircraft at low-level, when the aircraft collided with power lines leading to a residential home. Photographs taken at the site show an upside down aircraft, with a section of a power line among the wreckage. The pilot was airlifted to a hospital, however, he could not recall any details about the accident sequence.
Source record
Factual narrative
On April 20, 2008, about 1830 central daylight time, a single-engine amateur built airplane, Woods, Challenger II, N213TW, was substantially damaged when it struck power lines and impacted terrain while maneuvering near Corning, Arkansas. The pilot, the sole occupant aboard, received serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal flight was being conducted under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 without a flight plan. The non-certificated pilot, who was airlifted to a hospital, could not recall any details about the accident sequence. The Federal Aviation Administration Inspector, who responded to the scene, reported that the aircraft collided with power lines leading to a residential home. The inspector added that the pilot was reportedly waving to kids near the residence, just prior to the accident. Photographs taken at the site show an upside down aircraft, with a section of a power line among the wreckage.