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.
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.
Key Takeaways:
- A commercial airplane was substantially damaged and its sole occupant pilot seriously injured after colliding with a power line during an attempted forced landing.
- The incident occurred when the engine lost all power during a touch-and-go pattern, preventing the pilot from maintaining enough altitude to clear the power line while gliding to the runway.
Key takeaways sponsored by Aviator Pro | Start Your Training ->
See a mistake? Contact us.
