Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to see and avoid power wires during approach.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The biplane pilot reported that, while performing a reconnaissance flight to determine the viability of landing the biplane on the infield section of the racing track for an upcoming airshow, he made several passes and saw no power wires. He added that, during an approach to the proposed landing area, the biplane struck a power wire. The pilot aborted the approach, performed a quick controllability check, and decided to land at a nearby airport. The pilot landed the biplane without further incident. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left ailerons. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the biplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The biplane pilot reported that, while performing a reconnaissance flight to determine the viability of landing the biplane on the infield section of the racing track for an upcoming airshow, several passes were made, and no power wires were observed. He added that, during an approach to the proposed landing area, the biplane struck a power wire. The pilot aborted the approach, performed a quick controllability check, and decided to land at the nearby airport. The biplane landed without further incident. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left ailerons. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the biplane that would have precluded normal operation.