S C Aerostar S A YAK-52 N669YK accident near Toughkenamon, Pennsylvania

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to see and avoid powerlines while on approach to land.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that while on final approach to the destination airport the airplane unexpectedly began to descend. The pilot added power, pitched up, and arrested the descent. Seeing no obstacles in front of the airplane, the pilot elected to continue the approach and subsequently impacted power lines; the impact resulted in substantial damage to the right aileron. The pilot reported that he never saw the powerlines and therefore did not make any attempt to avoid them. The pilot reported that there were no known preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation during the flight.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA23LA198 for the full record.