As He Watched The Airplane Head North, It Collided With A Power Line

Location: Cave Spring, Georgia Accident Number: ERA21FA165
Date & Time: March 29, 2021, 18:00 Local Registration: N800MH
Aircraft: Aviat Inc A-1 Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT) Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis:
A witness reported the pilot was circling low over his house and waving at him. The pilot circled for about 5 minutes then departed the area. As he watched the airplane head north, it collided with a power line, resulting in a loss of electrical power to nearby residences and a brush fire. The airplane pitched down abruptly and descended into a ravine where it collided with the ground about 500 ft from the location of the power line.

Postaccident examination of the airplane did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings:
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be: The pilot's inadequate visual lookout and failure to maintain clearance from a power line.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov