# NTSB ATL82FID09: Mignet HM293, N2931, Radford, VA, May 30, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: May 30, 1982, 11:30 local (15:30 UTC)
- Place: Radford, VA
- Location: 37.1201° N, 80.5591° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Radford, VA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.1201&lon=-80.5591&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report May 30, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 72336
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL82FID09
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/72336/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL82FID09

## Analysis

DURING FLIGHT, THE PILOT BEGAN FLYING OVER A RIVER IN HIS HOMEBUILT HM293 "FLEA." HE REPORTED THAT HE HAD STARTED A RIGHT TURN AND WAS LOOKING FOR A BRIDGE WHEN THE LEFT WING TIP STRUCK WIRES. THE WIRES WERE PART OF A RAILWAY SIGNAL LINE THAT CROSSED THE RIVER IN THAT LOCATION. THE AIRCRAFT CRASHED INTO THE RIVER AND THE PILOT SWAN TO SHORE WITH ONLY MINOR INJURIES. HE REPORTED THAT THE TOP WING RESTRICTED HIS VISIBILITY WHEN THE AIRCRAFT WAS IN A TURN.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - low pass - performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2931](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2931-2020-10-03), registration cancelled 2020-10-03, S/N F190, built 1970 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: MIGNET HM293
- Registry model: [Mignet HM293](https://openairdocs.org/model/mignet-hm293) (registry code 05601BY) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Mcculloch 4318A&E/0-100](https://openairdocs.org/engine/mcculloch-4318a-e-0-100) (registry code 43101, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: F-190
- Airframe hours: 472
- Engines: MCCULLOCH O-100-1 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: P. W. Howell
- Registered owner: P. W. Howell
- Departed: RADFORD, VA
- Destination: RADFORD, VA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 1,868 total, 472 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 230° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Temperature: 167 °F

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19820530019779A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820530019779A), May 30, 1982: Amtrfa MIGNET293, Radford, VA, Substantial damage. Struck wires while flying over river at 50 to 75 feet above water.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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