Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's failure to maintain obstacle clearance.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that after takeoff he made a low pass over a service station to see if his wife was refueling their automobile. During the low pass, the airplane struck a powerline and impacted the ground.
Source record
Factual narrative
On April 27, 1996, at 0618 central daylight time, a Deaton, Jungster-1, N57GD, registered to and operated by a private owner, was substantially damaged while maneuvering near McAlester, Oklahoma. The private pilot, the sole occupant, was seriously injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight from McAlester Regional Airport, McAlester, Oklahoma, to Bentonville Municipal Airport, Bentonville, Arkansas. A flight plan was not filed for the personal cross country flight conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91. The accident occurred a few minutes after takeoff. The pilot told the FAA inspector that after takeoff he made a low pass over a service station to see if his wife was refueling their automobile. During the low pass, the airplane struck a powerline and impacted the ground. The landing gear sheared from the fuselage on impact. -