Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from powerlines, which resulted in a wire strike.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that he was flying over the river to examine a long gravel bar that he intended to land on. While looking for powerlines for the approach he had lost some altitude and was attempting to recover when a power line flew overhead and collided with the vertical stabilizer. The pilot attempted to regain control of the airplane, which then impacted terrain next to the riverbank.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and fuselage. The pilot stated that there were no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operations.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR25LA216 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 20, 2025
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Concrete, Washington
- Nearest airport
- (N/A)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172
- N-number
- N6964A
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1956
- 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.