Cessna 172 N84287 accident near Jay, Florida

Probable cause

The pilot's improper decision to fly over a river at a very low altitude, which resulted in a collision with power lines.

NTSB analysis

The pilot was operating the airplane on a 40-mile repositioning flight. After takeoff, GPS data showed that the pilot flew over a river at a low altitude for several miles, at some points as low as 30 ft above ground level (agl). As the airplane approached a sharp bend in the river, the pilot briefly climbed a few hundred feet, then subsequently performed a left descending turn and descended back down to the river, following it at an altitudes between 100 and 200 ft agl for an additional 1.5 miles. The airplane subsequently struck power lines spanning the river about 60 ft agl, damaging the airplane’s propeller and wings. The airplane subequently impacted a sandbar and the airframe was substantially damaged.

Postaccident examination of the airplane did not reveal any anomalies consistent with a preimpact failure or malfunction that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA19LA246 for the full record.