Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a static wire while maneuvering at a low altitude.
NTSB analysis
The pilot and passenger planned to disperse cremated remains from the airplane during the flight. As the pilot made a low pass over the graveyard, he heard a loud "bang" and the windshield broke. The pilot was able to remain airborne and returned to the airport for a normal landing. Examination of the airplane and accident site revealed that the airplane struck a static wire, impacting the airplane’s windshield and instrument panel. The wire continued to cut into the left and right sides of the airplane, resulting in structural damage to the fuselage. Following the accident, the pilot reported no preimpact anomalies with the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11CA011 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 8, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Humphrey, Arkansas
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 175C
- N-number
- N8323T
- 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.