Probable cause
The pilot's failure to see and avoid power lines while intentionally maneuvering at low altitude for the aerial observation flight.
NTSB analysis
The private pilot was flying his airplane in visual meteorological conditions in support of a cattle drive. A witness observed the airplane complete three to four passes before impacting power lines at an altitude about 100 ft above ground level. The witness reported that the engine sounded normal leading up to the impact, and a postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR15FA161 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 14, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Juntura, Oregon
- Highest injury
- Fatal
- Fatal injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bellanca 7GCBC
- N-number
- N5042P
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1979
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Business
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.