# NTSB ERA23LA334: Scoda Aeronautica Ltda Super Petrel LS, N239WD, Hickory, NC, August 13, 2023 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report - Date: August 13, 2023, 11:28 local (15:28 UTC) - Place: Hickory, NC · powerlines over a body of water - Coordinates: 35.77307, -81.352747 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.7731&lon=-81.3527&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Maneuvering-low-alt flying: Low altitude operation/event](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/220) - Highest injury: Fatal - Injuries: 2 fatal - Status: Completed - Report: Approved by Office Director - Investigation class: Class 3 - NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation - Parties: FAA/FSDO, CENIPA, SCODA Aeronáutica - NTSB case key (mKey): 192853 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA23LA334 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/192853/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=192853 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23LA334 ## Probable cause The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from powerlines while maneuvering at a low altitude over water, which resulted in a collision and loss of control. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Info processing/decision: identification/recognition](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041510): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Scoda Aeronautica Ltda SUPER PETREL LS, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041510/cases.md?model=06001A5), [All aircraft, 559 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041510/cases.md) - [Object/animal/substance: wire](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022032): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Ability to respond/compensate (probable cause); cases with it: [Scoda Aeronautica Ltda SUPER PETREL LS, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022032/cases.md?model=06001A5), [All aircraft, 588 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022032/cases.md) - [Object/animal/substance: wire](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022032): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Effect on equipment (probable cause); cases with it: [Scoda Aeronautica Ltda SUPER PETREL LS, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022032/cases.md?model=06001A5), [All aircraft, 588 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022032/cases.md) - [Action: delayed action](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041025): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Scoda Aeronautica Ltda SUPER PETREL LS, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041025/cases.md?model=06001A5), [All aircraft, 894 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041025/cases.md) - [Attention/monitoring: monitoring environment](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021545): Personnel issues › Psychological · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Scoda Aeronautica Ltda SUPER PETREL LS, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021545/cases.md?model=06001A5), [All aircraft, 809 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021545/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Maneuvering-low-alt flying: Low altitude operation/event](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/220) (defining event); cases with it: [Scoda Aeronautica Ltda SUPER PETREL LS, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/220/sequence.md?model=06001A5), [All aircraft, 780 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/220/sequence.md) ## Analysis The private pilot/owner and the student pilot/passenger departed in the amphibious airplane and flew to a local lake where they were observed conducting a touch-and-go landing and flying low over the water. One witness, who was on his boat dock about 100 yards from a set of energized powerlines that spanned the lake, reported that the airplane was flying level about 100 to 200 ft above the water toward the powerlines. As the airplane approached the powerlines, it appeared to take a sudden nose-down attitude before it impacted the powerlines. There was a large explosion and the airplane impacted the water. The collision also resulted in a electrical power outage to the surrounding community. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed impact signatures consistent with impact with the powerlines and no evidence of any mechanical deficiencies or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. Based on the witness’ observations, the pilot likely observed the powerlines and attempted to maneuver underneath them. The airplane then struck the powerlines, lost control, and impacted the lake. ## Factual narrative On August 13, 2023, at 1128 eastern daylight time, a Scoda Aeronautica Ltda Super Petrel LS, N239WD, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Hickory, North Carolina. The private pilot/owner and the student pilot passenger were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. A review of automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) data revealed the airplane departed Hickory Regional Airport (HKY) Hickory, North Carolina, about 1120. The airplane flew northeast toward Lake Hickory at an altitude of about 1,600 ft mean sea level (msl) and a groundspeed of about 98 knots. After arriving over Lake Hickory, the airplane turned left to the west and descended to about 900 ft msl before the ADS-B data ended. About that time, a witness recorded the airplane performing a touch-and-go landing on the water. A short time later, several other witnesses observed the airplane flying “unusually low” and “in a highly banked angle” over the water. Another witness, who was on his boat dock located about 100 yards northwest of a set of energized powerlines that spanned the lake, reported the airplane flying level about 100 to 200 ft above the water toward the powerlines. As the airplane approached the powerlines, it appeared to take a “sudden” nose-down attitude before it impacted the powerlines. There was an explosion and the airplane then tumbled into the water. The collision with the powerlines resulted in a power outage to the surrounding community of 18,000. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed the plexiglass windshield/canopy was missing due to impact damage and the entire cockpit area was exposed. Striations consistent with contact with a power line cable were observed embedded on the left side of the dashboard. Deep gouging and striation marks were also observed from the top left area of the fuselage out toward the left-wing root and continued down the left side of the fuselage. The left wing had separated from impact and the composite material (fabric) was melted and shriveled along the inboard portion of wing. Heat-damaged wing material was also observed hanging from where the wing had separated from the airframe. The right wing had been removed by salvage personnel and did not appear to be damaged. The tail section remained attached to the airplane, but the left horizontal stabilator was deflected down from impact. Flight control continuity was established for both horizontal stabilizers by manual manipulation of both control sticks. Continuity was confirmed to the wing root area for both wings when the control sticks were moved. The rudder pedals were partially jammed due to impact, but some movement was achieved to the rudder when the pedals were manipulated. A light coat of soot was observed on the engine pylon, cowling, spinner, and portions of the fuselage. The engine remained secure to the airframe and was undamaged. The three bladed propellerremained secure to the engine and all three blades were secure in the hub. The outer half of one blade was missing and the remaining portion of blade exhibited some gouging. The other two blades were intact and exhibited gouging. The engine crankshaft was manually rotated via the propeller. Thumb compression and valvetrain continuity were established to each cylinder. Fuel and some water were noted in each carburetor bowl. No preimpact deficiencies or malfunctions were noted with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation at the time of impact. The North Carolina Office of The Chief Medical Examiner, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, performed the autopsy on the pilot and determined that the manner of death was blunt trauma resulting in accidental death. Toxicological testing performed on specimens from the pilot by the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Bioaeronautical Sciences Research Laboratory, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, were negative for medications or drugs that would have posed a hazard to flight safety. Power and transmission lines are typically not published on an aeronautical map unless they are over 200 ft tall and then only used for navigation. No altitudes are charted for individual towers and their depiction is intended to help navigation by pilotage or using visual landmarks outside of the airplane. The Federal Aviation Administration designated these in the Aeronautical Chart User's Guide as "power transmission and telecommunication lines." ## Aircraft - Registration: [N239WD](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N239WD), registered now, S/N S0392, built 2022 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: SCODA AERONAUTICA LTDA SUPER PETREL LS - Registry model: [Scoda Aeronautica Ltda SUPER PETREL LS](https://openairdocs.org/model/scoda-aeronautica-ltda-super-petrel-ls) (registry code 06001A5) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Rotax 914UL](https://openairdocs.org/engine/rotax-914ul) (registry code 55553, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: S0392 - Year built: 2022 - Airframe hours: 33 - Engines: Rotax 914UL 115 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Special light-sport (Special) - Last inspection: Condition, May 11, 2023, 33 hours before - Departed: HKY, Hickory, NC - Airport: HKY, Hickory Rgnl, runway 6, 6,401 × 150 ft, asphalt - Equipment: Handheld GPS, ADS-B, Electronic multifunction display ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 63; injuries: fatal; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, single-engine sea; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 3,100 total, 8.4 in this make and model - Student pilot; age 49; injuries: fatal; student; medical: class 2, without waivers/limitations; seat: right; flight hours: 24 total ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 200° at 4 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 70 °F - Altimeter: 30.07 inHg - Observed at: HKY, 2 nm away - METAR: KHKY 131553Z 20004KT 10SM CLR 28/21 A3007 RMK AO2 SLP161 T02830206 ## 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 20230813014629A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20230813014629A), Aug 13, 2023: Scoda Aeronautica Ltda SUPER PETREL LS, Hickory, NC, Substantial damage, 2 fatal. Land & sea capable aircraft [privacy data omitted]pilot took off at hky at 11:19 am EST. With student pilot on board. Aircraft struck power line while flying… ## Docket (11 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on July 5, 2024, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=192853. 11.1 MB in all. - Eyewitness statements (item 1, PDF, 2 pages, 129 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=16702298&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Eyewitness%20Statements_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Additional witness statement (item 2, PDF, 1 page, 83 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=16693395&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=23-1104%20Hickory%20witness%20NTSB_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Memo for record_duke energy news statement (item 3, PDF, 1 page, 416 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=16686348&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Memorandum%20for%20Record_Duke%20Energy%20Statement_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Pilot log excerpt_2022 forward (item 4, PDF, 19 pages, 451 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=16687592&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Pilot%20Logbook%20Excerpt%202022%20Forward_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Maintenance records excerpt (item 5, PDF, 2 pages, 5.5 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=16687053&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Maintenance%20Records%20Excerpt_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Flight track maps and wreckage location (item 6, PDF, 2 pages, 577 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=16702340&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Flight%20Track%20and%20Accident%20Map-Rel.pdf - Flight track tabular data (item 7, CSV, 4 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=16701404&FileExtension=csv&FileName=N239WD%20-%20Flight%20Track%20Tabular%20Data-Rel.csv - Engine and airframe examination (item 8, PDF, 8 pages, 1.4 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=16701197&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Wreckage%20Examination%20Report%20Petrel-Rel.pdf - Toxicological report_pilot (item 9, PDF, 1 page, 181 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=16663165&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Toxicological%20Report_Pilot_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Investigative photographs (item 10, PDF, 5 pages, 1.8 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=16685628&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Accident%20Site%20and%20Damage%20Photographs_N239WD-Rel.pdf - Wreckage release (item 11, PDF, 1 page, 490 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=16662628&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Wreckage%20Release_Redacted-Rel.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.