Quest Kodiak 100 N702FW accident near Reedsport, Oregon

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines during a low-level aerial observation flight. Contributing to the accident was pilot's failure to review a route hazards map prior to initiating the flight.

NTSB analysis

While flying a low-level waterfowl aerial observation route, the pilot flew into power lines that were strung across a river. While both the pilot and a passenger saw the power lines just before impact, it was too late to take action. Because the pilot normally flew in a different region, and was on temporary assignment in a geographical area that he was not familiar with, he was unaware of the specific hazards along the subject route. He also did not possess a copy of the local area hazards map, although one had been sent to him as part of a multi-attachment email. During a reconnaissance flight prior to the accident, the pilot identified several hazards, but not the wires that he ultimately impacted.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR11TA083 for the full record.