Probable cause
The pilot’s improper decision to conduct an intentional low altitude flight which resulted in a collision with wires and impact with terrain.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he was conducting a planned local flight with the passenger and flying about 30 ft above ground level in an open riverbed area, when about the time he elected to climb the airplane out of the area, the airplane impacted unmarked wires that crossed the river. The airplane subsequently impacted in shallow river water and came to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and wings. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN22LA088 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 25, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Rainbow, Texas
- Nearest airport
- (None)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Boeing A75N1(PT17)
- N-number
- N64602
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1942
- 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.