# NTSB CHI98LA273: Champion 7GCBC, N21262, Clearwater, MN, July 23, 1998 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: July 23, 1998, 15:07 local (20:07 UTC) - Place: Clearwater, MN - Coordinates: 45.410415, -94.040321 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.4104&lon=-94.0403&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor - Status: Completed, report February 15, 2001 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 43102 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI98LA273 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/43102/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI98LA273 ## Probable cause The inadequate visual lookout by the pilot-in-command. The unmarked transmission wire was a contributing factor. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - In flight collision with object, cruise - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause) - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor) - low altitude flight/maneuver - performed, pilot in command - In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled ## Analysis The pilot reported that while in level flight heading southbound at 75' the airplane impacted power lines. The power lines were not marked and were not depicted on the current sectional chart, which he had consulted prior to flight. He added that the poles of the power lines were obscured by trees along the shoreline which make it difficult to be seen in flight. Examination of the Twin Cites Sectional Aeronautical Chart reveals the following caution, 'CAUTION: This chart is primarily designed for VFR navigational purposes and does not purport to indicate the presence of all telephone, telegraph and power transmission lines, terrain or obstacles which may be encountered below reasonable and safe altitudes'. ## Factual narrative On July 23, 1998, at 1507 central daylight time, a Champion 7GCBC, N21262, operated by a private pilot, was destroyed when it impacted water following an inflight collision with power lines near Clearwater, Minnesota. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was not operating on a flight plan. The pilot received minor injuries. The local flight departed a private airstrip near St. Cloud, Minnesota at 1415. In a written statement, the pilot reported that he was heading southbound at 75' agl while sightseeing over the Mississippi river when he impacted power lines in level flight. The power lines were unmarked and were not depicted on the current sectional chart, which the pilot had consulted prior to flight. The pilot added that the power line poles are obscured by trees along the shoreline, making them extremely difficult, if not impossible, to be seen in flight. In a telephone conversation, the pilot reported that the flight controls and engine were operating normally at the time of the accident. The Twin Cites Sectional Aeronautical Chart states, "CAUTION: This chart is primarily designed for VFR navigational purposes and does not purport to indicate the presence of all telephone, telegraph and power transmission lines, terrain or obstacles which may be encountered below reasonable and safe altitudes". ## Aircraft - Registration: [N21262](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N21262), registered now, S/N 130, built 1968 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Champion 7GCBC - Registry model: [Champion 7GCBC](https://openairdocs.org/model/champion-7gcbc) (registry code 21101PK) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming O-320-B2B](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-320-b2b) (registry code 42138, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 130 - Engines: Lycoming O-320-A2B 150 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Destroyed - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Gary Aysta - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Unknown, October 7, 1968 - Departed: 3MN8, ST. CLOUD, MN ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 21; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; toxicology performed; flight hours: 413 total, 7 in this make and model, 298 as pilot in command, 70 in the last 90 days, 28 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 300° at 9 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 8,000 ft broken - Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 50 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: STC, 8 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 19980723016999A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19980723016999A), Jul 23, 1998: Bbavia 7GCBC, Clearwater, MN, Destroyed. Flying low over river. Struck wires aircraft fell into river and sank. (.4)the pilot reported that while in level flight heading southbound at 75' the airplane… 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.