# NTSB CHI97LA035: Cessna 150, N704DR, Chesterfield, MO, November 22, 1996 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: November 22, 1996, 14:25 local (20:25 UTC) - Place: Chesterfield, MO - Coordinates: 38.650119, -90.580955 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.6501&lon=-90.5810&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report August 25, 1997 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 10494 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI97LA035 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/10494/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI97LA035 ## Probable cause the pilot's failure to maintain an adequate visual lookout. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - In flight collision with object, maneuvering - object - wire,static - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause) ## Analysis The pilot reported that he was practicing a simulated emergency landing to what appeared to be a landing strip. During the simulated final approach, a wire strike occurred. He wrote that he 'knew immediately what had happened.' He recovered the airplane to the Spirit of St. Louis Airport, and landed without further incident. Examination of the airplane revealed the lower cowl and propeller exhibited evidence of arcing and metal flow. One aileron was substantially damaged. A 200-foot piece of copper wire was removed from the airplane. ## Factual narrative On November 22, 1996, at 1425 central standard time, a Cessna 150, N704DR, operated by Midwest Air Service, Inc., was substantially damaged when it collided with power lines while maneuvering near Chesterfield, Missouri. The private pilot and one passenger reported no injuries. The local, personal, 14 CFR Part 91 flight originated at the Spirit of St. Louis Airport, Chesterfield, Missouri. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. In a written statement, the pilot reported that he was practicing a simulated emergency landing to "what appeared to be a landing strip." During the simulated final approach, "the wire strike occurred." He wrote that he "knew immediately what had happened." He recovered the airplane to the Spirit of St. Louis Airport, and landed, without further incident. The airplane was examined by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector. She reported that the lower cowl and propeller exhibited evidence of "arcing" and "metal flow." One aileron was substantially damaged. A 200 foot piece of copper wire was removed from the airplane. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N704DR](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N704DR-2005-11-01), registration cancelled 2005-11-01, S/N 15078533, built 1976 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Cessna 150 - Registry model: [Cessna 150M](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-150m) (registry code 2071830) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental 0-200 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-200-series) (registry code 17020, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 15078533 - Airframe hours: 8140 - Engines: Continental O-200 100 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Midwest Air Service, Inc. - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal; Standard, Utility - Last inspection: Annual, November 13, 1996, 6 hours before - Departed: SUS ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 44; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 713 total, 276 in this make and model, 595 as pilot in command, 36 in the last 90 days, 27 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 140° at 8 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Temperature: 45 °F, dew point 30 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg ## 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 19961122036319A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19961122036319A), Nov 22, 1996: Cessna 150M, Wentzville, MO, Substantial damage. Aircraft nose wheel clipped a power l ine, returned to airport, removed 200FT of power line from nose wheel shaft. 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.