# NTSB CHI99LA077: Piper PA-18-150, N7188Z, Hyannis, NE, January 27, 1999

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 27, 1999, 15:19 local (22:19 UTC)
- Place: Hyannis, NE
- Coordinates: 41.999908, -101.760505 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.9999&lon=-101.7605&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report April 25, 2001
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 45663
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI99LA077
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/45663/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI99LA077

## Probable cause

the pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the transmission line.  Factors associated with the accident were the transmission line, the low altitude at which the pilot was flying, and his diverted attention to a person on the ground.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - altitude - low, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - diverted attention, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

The pilot was checking the pastures when he saw a person fishing.  He entered a turn to watch the person during which time the airplane contacted a transmission line.  The airplane then descended to impact with the terrain.  The pilot reported that he was aware of the line, but had forgotten about it.

## Factual narrative

On January 27, 1999, at 1519 mountain standard time, a Piper PA- 18-150, N7188Z, operated by a private pilot, collided with powerlines and the terrain, about eight miles southwest of Hyannis, Nebraska.  The pilot reported minor injuries.  The airplane was substantially damaged.  The 14 CFR Part 91 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan.  The flight originated from Hyannis, Nebraska.

The pilot reported he was checking the pastures when he saw someone who he recognized fishing.  He reported he entered a left turn and was looking at the person holding up fish when the airplane contacted the top of two transmission lines.  The airplane then descended to impact with the terrain.  One end of the section of wire contacted was suspended from a pole that sits on a hill.  The other end is on flat terrain.  The span of transmission line that was contacted was approximately 100 feet long.  The pilot reported he was aware of the powerline, but that he had forgotten about it.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N7188Z (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: Piper PA-18-150
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18-8302
- Airframe hours: 1906
- Engines: Lycoming O-320 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Manning Oo Ranches, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 19, 1997, 72 hours before
- Departed: NONE, HYANNIS, NE

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 40; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, expired; seat: front; flight hours: 1,434 total, 1,350 in this make and model, 1,400 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 360° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 3,500 ft overcast
- Temperature: 45 °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 19990127000799A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19990127000799A), Jan 27, 1999: Piper PA18150, Hyannis, NE, Substantial damage. Acft struck a power line and crashed. Other circumstances are unknown. (.19)on January 27, 1999, at 1519 mountain standard time, a Piper PA-18-150, N7188Z,…

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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