Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines during takeoff from an open field.
NTSB analysis
The pilot would not provide a statement; however, the pilot's wife who was on the ground and witnessed the accident reported that she watched as the airplane took off from an open field. During the initial climb, the airplane struck power lines. She further reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Responding law enforcement personnel reported that after the collision, the airplane collided with the ground in a nose low attitude substantially damaging the fuselage.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR13CA330 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 14, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- San Simon, Arizona
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built DAKOTA HAWK
- N-number
- N544WK
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2002
- 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.