Probable cause
The pilot's intentional low-altitude operation, which resulted in his failure to maintain clearance from unmarked utility wires.
NTSB analysis
Shortly after departing and while flying along a river, the airplane struck two of five unmarked utility wires that spanned the river. The airplane subsequently impacted water, which resulted in substantial damage to the airframe and minor injuries to the pilot and passenger. When asked how the accident could have been prevented, the pilot stated, "Increase altitude minimums by at least double to ensure adequate reaction time to avoid obstacles."
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA17CA012 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 11, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Knoxville, Tennessee
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 2
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bellanca 8KCAB
- N-number
- N2504Z
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1977
- 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.