Bellanca 7GCBC N8569V accident near Batesville, Arkansas

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from powerlines while flying at low altitude.

NTSB analysis

The pilot was conducting a local flight when the airplane struck and became entangled in a high-tension power line, leaving the airplane suspended nose-down about 130 ft above the ground. The pilot of a second airplane that was flying behind and higher than the accident airplane witnessed the collision, and his passenger called 911 to report it. After landing at a nearby airport, the second pilot and his passenger went to the accident site, where the accident pilot remained inside the suspended airplane awaiting rescue. He stated that he heard the accident pilot say that he did not see the power lines until it was too late due to the snowy background.

Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunction or failure that would have prevented normal operation. The sectional chart current at the time of the accident depicted the location of the power lines.

The accident pilot sustained fatal injuries when attempting to egress the suspended airplane using harness and rope provided by persons on the ground. Toxicology results indicated that the accident pilot had used multiple sedating medications. Such medications have the potential to cause cognitive and psychomotor impairment, especially when combined. However, no detailed determination about impairment during the accident flight or subsequent rescue effort can be made from the reviewed toxicology results alone. Further, considering that the detected medications all may be used to treat insomnia, whether the pilot was experiencing the impairing effects of disordered sleep also is unknown.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN25LA075 for the full record.