February 2, 2008, Mukilteo, Wash., Bellanca 17-30A

The airplane was substantially damaged when it collided with a power line at about 1240 Pacific time during an attempted forced landing. The commercial pilot and sole occupant received serious injuries. Visual conditions prevailed. According to the pilot, who talked briefly with rescuers before being taken to the hospital, the airplanes engine lost all power while he was in the pattern for a touch-and-go landing. He then attempted to glide to the approach end of the runway, but was unable to maintain enough altitude to clear a power line. After hitting the power line, the airplane rolled to a steep angle of bank, and then descended into the terrain.

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • An airplane sustained substantial damage and its commercial pilot received serious injuries after colliding with a power line during an attempted forced landing.
  • The incident occurred after the aircraft's engine lost all power while the pilot was in the pattern for a touch-and-go landing.
  • The pilot attempted to glide to the runway but was unable to maintain enough altitude to clear the power line, leading to the collision and subsequent terrain impact.
See a mistake? Contact us.

The airplane was substantially damaged when it collided with a power line at about 1240 Pacific time during an attempted forced landing. The commercial pilot and sole occupant received serious injuries. Visual conditions prevailed.

According to the pilot, who talked briefly with rescuers before being taken to the hospital, the airplanes engine lost all power while he was in the pattern for a touch-and-go landing. He then attempted to glide to the approach end of the runway, but was unable to maintain enough altitude to clear a power line. After hitting the power line, the airplane rolled to a steep angle of bank, and then descended into the terrain.

Ready to Sell Your Aircraft?

List your airplane on AircraftForSale.com and reach qualified buyers.

List Your Aircraft
AircraftForSale Logo | FLYING Logo
Pilot in aircraft
Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox.

SUBSCRIBE