Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's failure to maintain obstacle clearance.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
On short final, 300 to 400 feet from the runway threshold, the pilot realized that the power lines were immediately ahead and very slightly below. He momentarily added power and increased pitch attitude, but contacted the uppermost power line with left main gear. The airplane then impacted the runway and the nose and left main gear collapsed. There were no aerial marking balls installed on the power line.
Source record
Factual narrative
On December 22, 1995, at 1605 central standard time, a Piper PA- 22-160, N9591D, collided with a power line while on final approach to Skylake Airport near Waller, Texas. The airplane was substantially damaged and the private pilot and two passengers were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the local personal flight conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91. According to the pilot, he was on final, "300 to 400 feet from the end of runway 35," when he "realized that the power lines were immediately ahead and very slightly below." He "momentarily added power and increased pitch attitude, but contacted uppermost power line with left main gear." After the collision, the airplane impacted the runway "somewhat hard," and the nose and left main landing gear collapsed. Federal Aviation Administration inspectors examined the airplane and reported the fuselage was wrinkled and the firewall was damaged. There were no aerial marking balls installed on the power line. -