# NTSB CHI97LA227: Kearns RV-6, N35K, Harrisburg, IL, July 27, 1997

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 27, 1997, 18:20 local (23:20 UTC)
- Place: Harrisburg, IL
- Coordinates: 37.730766, -88.53939 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.7308&lon=-88.5394&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report July 23, 1999
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 10643
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI97LA227
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/10643/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI97LA227

## Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance.  A factor was the marked transmission wire.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - altitude/clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - wire,transmission(marked) (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - ground

## Analysis

The pilot stated that while on final approach, 'The right landing gear hooked the power line and sheared off the wheel and landing gear.'  He reported that the impact with the power line, 'Spun airplane around and cartwheeled.'  He reported that the airplane struck the ground and came to rest in an up-right attitude.  Post accident investigation revealed no anomalies with the accident aircraft.

## Factual narrative

On July 27, 1997, at 1820 central daylight time, a Kearns RV-6, N35K, sustained substantial damage when it impacted power lines during final approach to Runway 32 (2,764 feet by 75 feet, dry/asphalt) at the Harrisburg-Raleigh Airport, Harrisburg, Illinois.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident.  The personal flight was operating under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 and was not on a flight plan.  The pilot reported no injuries and his one passenger sustained minor injuries.  The local flight departed Harrisburg-Raleigh Airport at 1810 and was returning to the airport at the time of the accident.

According to the pilot-in-command's written statement, while on final approach, "The right landing gear hooked the power line and sheared off the wheel and landing gear."  The pilot reported that the impact with the power line, "Spun airplane around and cartwheeled."  The pilot reported that the airplane struck the ground and came to rest in an up-right attitude.

Post accident investigation revealed no anomalies with the accident aircraft.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N35K](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N35K), registered now, S/N 20482, built 1995 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Kearns RV-6
- Registry model: [Kearns J W/ Kearns J C RV-6](https://openairdocs.org/model/kearns-j-w-kearns-j-c-rv-6) (registry code 05620DS) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 20482
- Engines: Lycoming O-320-E2A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: John W. Kearns
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Departed: HSB
- Airport: HSB, Harrisburg-Raleigh Aprt., runway 32, 2,764 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 63; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 380 total, 4 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 95 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: MWA, 27 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 19970727028269A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19970727028269A), Jul 27, 1997: Amtr RV6, Harrisburg, IL, Substantial damage. (.4)The pilot stated that while on final approach, 'the right landing gear hooked the power line and sheared off the wheel and landing gear.' He reported that…

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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