19980206003599A

Struck power lines during aerial observation. Aircraft was checking powerlines during power outage. (.4) the airplane struck power lines during an aerial observation flight. Witnesses observed the airplane flying the power line (aircraft engine at full power), enter a climbing turn, spin to the left, and descent toward the ground. Winds were from the north at 20 gusting to 30 knots. The pilot was dispatched by the director of operations. This was the pilot's first aerial observation flight for the company. The pilot had not received company training in the type of operation. Following the accident, the director of operations said that the pilot needed 'situational awareness' when flying the power lines, and on the NTSB from 6120.1/2 the operator recommended 'improving situational awareness and training'. The passenger/observer stated that the 'power line turned, the [air]plane didn't turn, the pilot never saw the line'. The observer reported that the engine was running fine until the airplane struck the wire. Flight control continuity was confirmed. There were no pre-impact discrepancies found with the airframe. The engine examination did not reveal any anomalies that would preclude full power engine operation prior to impact. (-23) on 02/06/98 at 1000 CST, a Cessna 172M N5207R, struck power lines while maneuvering 5 miles south of Port Lavaca, Texas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the aerial observation flight and a flight plan was not filed. The commercial pilot received serious injuries and the passenger received minor injuries. The flight departed victoria, Texas, at 0930. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.