Watch thos power lines, guys. -Z

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NTSB Identification: SEA05LA198
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Wednesday, September 21, 2005 in Ione, WA
Aircraft: Cessna 170A, registration: N9527A
Injuries: 1 Fatal.

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.

On September 21, 2005, approximately 1800 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 170A, N9527A, impacted power lines crossing the Pend Oreille River about one mile north of Box Canyon Dam, near Ione, Washington. The airline transport pilot, who was the sole occupant, received fatal injuries, and the aircraft, which is owned and operated by the pilot, sustained substantial damage. The flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions at the time of the accident. The departure point of the flight, and the pilots ultimate destination have not yet been determined. There was no report of an ELT activation. No flight plan had been filed.

According to a witness, he heard a "great big screeching noise," and when he turned to look toward the sound, he saw the aircraft sinking into the waters of the river. It was later determined by local law enforcement officials that the aircraft had impacted the power lines.

That's sure a shame. But it is real motivation to "see and avoid" more than just other airplanes.
It'd be interesting to find out the elevation of those powerlines, and whether they had "balls" installed for visibility.

Eric

When the lines aren't visible amongst the ground clutter, and the poles seem to vanish, too - sometimes the long, straight shadows of the poles stretch out along the ground to catch your eye.

Powerlines have a tendency to snag a lot of pilots who are scud running in unfamliar territory.

Two predator control teams flying Supercubs were lost here within a couple years time span due to powerlines. The first was flying around a powerline chasing a fox and clipped the line with his wingtip, which resulted in a burning crash. Killed the pilot on impact. The gunner survived with a broken neck, pulled himself out of the wreckage, made it to a house that he had to break into and called for help.

The second team was scud running out to a ranch that had called for predator control. Flew into a high tension line enroute, both were killed.

Since the energy boom took off again there are all kinds of powerlines sprouting up overnight here. Few if any have warning devices.