Lead Airplane In A Flight Of Two And While Flying About 50 Ft Over A River, The Airplane Struck A Power Line

Location: Perma, Montana Accident Number: WPR23LA001
Date & Time: October 2, 2022, 09:00 Local Registration: N892SP
Aircraft: Scoda Aeronautica LTDA Super Petrel LS Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Low altitude operation/event Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis: The accident airplane was the lead airplane in a flight of two and while flying about 50 ft over a river, the airplane struck a power line. The airplane abruptly pitched up, descended to the right, and impacted the water, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and wings. According to a witness, the pilot had prior experience flying at low level over the river close to the accident site. The trailing pilot reported that the accident pilot did not report any mechanical failures or anomalies before the impact with a powerline. The trailing pilot was not aware of the powerline placement, and it is likely that the pilot also did not see the powerline’s placement across the river as it was unmarked.

Probable Cause and Findings: The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be -- The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from the powerline.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov