Cessna 150M N66358 accident near Waterloo, New York

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from obstructions while on approach to the runway.

NTSB analysis

Prior to departing on the flight, the pilot referenced the Airport/Facility Directory and noted that one of the runways at the destination airport had a displaced threshold. He subsequently departed, and entered the traffic pattern to land on the 2,275-foot turf runway 28, approaching the end with the displaced threshold. The pilot became concerned with the runway's relatively short length, and on final approach, increased the airplane's descent angle in order to use as much of the runway as possible. While on short final approach, the pilot suddenly observed marked power lines that ran perpendicular to the runway, across the threshold, and immediately thereafter one of the main landing gear wheels struck the wire. The airplane then yawed to the left and pitched nose-down. The pilot attempted to correct the upset, but the airplane subsequently struck the ground, resulting in substantial damage to the airframe. The power lines were depicted in airport information.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA14CA366 for the full record.