December 14, 2005, Dixon, Calif. / Cessna 177RG Cardinal

At 1652 Pacific time, the airplane was destroyed on colliding with a static line and impacted the ground. The solo Airline Transport pilot sustained fatal injuries. Visual conditions prevailed. A CFI and student noticed the airplane at about 200 feet agl traveling at a high groundspeed. The CFI then noticed a flash or spark and saw the airplane impact transmission lines, followed immediately by the airplanes impact with the ground and post impact fire. Prior to the transmission line impact, the airplane did not appear to be having a problem. The static line was strung between two towers about 140 feet agl. According to the United States Naval Observatory, sunset took place at 1647. The end...

Key Takeaways:

• A solo Airline Transport pilot was fatally injured when their airplane collided with a static line at 140 feet AGL, subsequently impacting the ground and catching fire.
• The incident occurred at 1652 Pacific time, shortly after sunset (1647), under visual conditions.
• Witnesses observed the airplane at a high groundspeed, followed by a flash/spark, impact with transmission lines, ground impact, and a post-impact fire, with no apparent prior problems.

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