Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines during low-level flight.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, during low-level flight, the airplane struck a power distribution line. Subsequently, the top section of the vertical stabilizer and rudder separated and sustained substantial damage. The pilot landed at a nearby airfield without further incident.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions of failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR22LA107 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 24, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Pinon, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- Prescott Regional Airport (PRC)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built RV-8
- N-number
- N207RV
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2004
- 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.