Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to see and avoid power wires during approach.
NTSB analysis
The biplane pilot reported that, while performing a reconnaissance flight to determine the viability of landing the biplane on the infield section of the racing track for an upcoming airshow, he made several passes and saw no power wires. He added that, during an approach to the proposed landing area, the biplane struck a power wire. The pilot aborted the approach, performed a quick controllability check, and decided to land at a nearby airport. The pilot landed the biplane without further incident.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left ailerons.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the biplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA19CA021 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 9, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Hampton, Georgia
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Aviat S
- N-number
- N126BB
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2001
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Other work use
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.