Amateur-built MANTA 503 N193AW accident near Magnolia, Texas

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a static wire while maneuvering and his improper decision to fly with a low overcast sky.

NTSB analysis

While maneuvering near his home, the sport pilot decided to find a landing area near his house to wait out deteriorating weather. After selecting a potential parking lot, the pilot elected to perform a low pass to see if the area was suitable for landing. While approaching the far end of the parking lot the pilot observed power lines running perpendicular to his flight path. During an attempt to fly under the wires, the weight-shift trike impacted a static wire and subsequently the ground. An automated weather observing system 19 nautical miles northeast from the site of the accident, was reporting an overcast ceiling at 300 feet around the time of the accident. There were no reported anomalies with the trike's flight control system. Due to the pilot's injuries, he was unable to submit a NTSB 6120.1 accident reporting form.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN10LA074 for the full record.