# NTSB CEN11CA010: Martin Curtis Zenair CH701 SP, N157SB, Lonsdale, MN, October 10, 2010 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: October 10, 2010, 14:15 local (19:15 UTC) - Place: Lonsdale, MN - Coordinates: 44.45, -93.416664 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.4500&lon=-93.4167&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Approach-VFR pattern base: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 2 minor - Status: Completed, report March 16, 2011 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Central Region - NTSB case key (mKey): 77533 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CEN11CA010 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/77533/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=77533 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11CA010 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a power line while on approach to land. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Performance/control parameters: altitude](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062012): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Martin Curtis ZENAIR CH701 SP, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062012/cases.md?model=05619GB), [All aircraft, 1,310 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062012/cases.md) - [Object/animal/substance: wire](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022032): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Effect on operation (probable cause); cases with it: [Martin Curtis ZENAIR CH701 SP, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022032/cases.md?model=05619GB), [All aircraft, 588 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022032/cases.md) - [Info processing/decision: decision making/judgment](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Martin Curtis ZENAIR CH701 SP, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md?model=05619GB), [All aircraft, 3,098 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Approach-VFR pattern base: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470) (defining event); cases with it: [Martin Curtis ZENAIR CH701 SP, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=05619GB), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) - [Approach-VFR pattern base: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240); cases with it: [Martin Curtis ZENAIR CH701 SP, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md?model=05619GB), [All aircraft, 5,002 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md) - [Uncontrolled descent: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Martin Curtis ZENAIR CH701 SP, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=05619GB), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot reported that he departed from his private airstrip with a passenger for a local flight. Upon returning for landing, his neighbor was operating a combine harvester in a soybean field near the runway threshold. The pilot extended his traffic pattern to allow time for the machine to move out of the runway approach path. However, upon turning back toward the runway, the machine had not moved as far as he had expected. The pilot stated that at that point the airplane struck a power line. It subsequently came to rest upside down and was destroyed during the accident sequence. The pilot stated that there were no failures or malfunctions associated with the airplane prior to the accident. ## Factual narrative The pilot reported he departed from his private airstrip (850 feet by 70 feet, turf) with a passenger for a local flight. Upon returning for landing, his neighbor was operating a combine in a soybean field near the runway threshold. The pilot extended his traffic pattern to allow time for the combine to move out of the runway approach path. However, upon turning back toward the runway, the combine had not moved as far as he had expected. The pilot stated it was at that point the airplane struck a power line. It subsequently came to rest upside down and was destroyed during the accident sequence. Both the pilot and passenger were able to exit the airplane. They sustained minor injuries. The pilot stated that there were no failures or malfunctions associated with the airplane prior to the accident. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N157SB](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N157SB-2014-11-21), registration cancelled 2014-11-21, S/N 7-9669, built 2005 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: MARTIN CURTIS ZENAIR CH701 SP - Registry model: [Martin Curtis ZENAIR CH701 SP](https://openairdocs.org/model/martin-curtis-zenair-ch701-sp) (registry code 05619GB) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Rotax SEE BOMBADIER](https://openairdocs.org/engine/rotax-see-bombadier) (registry code 55555, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane, amateur-built - Serial number: 7-9669 - Airframe hours: 449 - Engines: ROTAX 912 UL reciprocating - Damage: Destroyed - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Last inspection: Condition, July 29, 2010 - Departed: PVT, Lonsdale, MN - Destination: PVT, Lonsdale, MN - Airport: PVT, Private, runway 23, 850 × 70 ft, grass/turf ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 66; injuries: minor; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, without waivers/limitations; last flight review March 29, 2009; seat: left; flight hours: 566 total, 449 in this make and model ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: calm - Visibility: 7 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 52 °F - Altimeter: 29.85 inHg - Observed at: LVN, 12 nm away ## 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 20101010049949A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20101010049949A), Oct 10, 2010: Martin Curt ZENAIR CH70, Lonsdale, MN, Destroyed. The aircraft came into contact with power lines while maneuvering causing structural damage and collision with a combine. ## Docket (2 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on November 24, 2010, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=77533. 832 KB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 790 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40339289&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Redacted.PDF - Passenger Statement (item 2, .PDF, 42 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40339290&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Passenger%20Statement-Master.PDF 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.