Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's failure to maintain obstacle clearance.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that he had made a pass over the taxiway to drop Easter candy to children. During a second pass to drop the remaining candy, the airplane's landing gear struck the east-west power line wires located north of the taxiway. The airplane came to rest on its nose on the taxiway.
Source record
Factual narrative
On April 7, 1996, at 1515 central daylight time, a Piper J3C-65, N7440H, registered to and operated by a private owner under Title 14 CFR Part 91, was substantially damaged following impact with power lines near Midlothian, Texas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight, and a flight plan was not filed. The private pilot and his passenger were not injured. The flight originated from Midlothian, Texas, approximately 25 minutes before the accident. The pilot reported that he had made a pass over the taxiway to drop Easter candy to the children. During a second pass to drop the remaining candy, the airplane's landing gear struck the east-west power line wires located north of the taxiway. The airplane came to rest on its nose on the taxiway. Both wing struts were bent, the engine mount was bent, and two longerons were deformed at the landing gear attachment points. -