Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the power line while flying at a low altitude.
NTSB analysis
A witness observed the airplane flying at a low altitude when it suddenly descended nose first into terrain. The postaccident examination revealed that the airplane collided with a 70-foot high power line that crossed over the road. No preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures were found that would have prevented normal operation of the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09LA409 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 3, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Latimer, Iowa
- Highest injury
- Fatal
- Fatal injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172
- N-number
- N8138B
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.