Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from powerlines, which resulted in a wire strike.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that he was flying over the river to examine a long gravel bar that he intended to land on. While looking for powerlines for the approach he had lost some altitude and was attempting to recover when a power line flew overhead and collided with the vertical stabilizer. The pilot attempted to regain control of the airplane, which then impacted terrain next to the riverbank. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and fuselage. The pilot stated that there were no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operations.