Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from obstacles during the takeoff initial climb.
NTSB analysis
The pilot planned to write an article for a local aeronautical publication following dinner at a restaurant located about 1/4-mile from the airport. Following dinner, the pilot's wife planned to take pictures from the air. The weather was clear, and the wind was calm. The pilot took off, and he made a low altitude turn toward the restaurant. He did not see power lines located about 40 feet above the ground, and while turning the airplane impacted the lines. The pilot reported that no mechanical malfunction or failure with his airplane precipitated the accident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR09LA427 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 30, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- May, Idaho
- Nearest airport
- May (0U8)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 2
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built Kitfox Series 6
- N-number
- N2070A
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.