# NTSB FTW99LA114: Cessna 172N, N734SV, Cleburne, TX, April 6, 1999 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: April 6, 1999, 10:00 local (15:00 UTC) - Place: Cleburne, TX - Coordinates: 32.34951, -97.330062 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.3495&lon=-97.3301&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report September 7, 2000 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 46052 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW99LA114 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/46052/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW99LA114 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude/ clearance from the wires. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - In flight collision with object, cruise - object - wire,transmission - altitude/clearance - inadequate, pilot in command (cause) ## Analysis The airplane struck power lines while maneuvering at a low altitude near the destination airport. The pilot was able to control the aircraft, continued the flight and landed without further incident. The non-instrument rated private pilot had returned to flying after a number of years away from aviation, and he had accumulated approximately 20 hours in the aircraft during the previous 90 days. He said that IFR conditions with low clouds, thunderstorms and rain showers developed while he was en route, and he was forced to descend to a lower altitude. Clear skies with visibility greater than 10 miles were reported throughout the area at the time of the flight. ## Factual narrative On April 6, 1999, at 1000 central daylight time, a Cessna 172N airplane, N734SV, was substantially damaged upon impact with power lines while maneuvering near Cleburne, Texas. The airplane was owned and operated by Panther Aviation, Inc., of Cleburne, Texas, under 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91. The non-instrument rated private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed during the personal cross country flight. A flight plan was not filed. The flight departed from Hillsboro, Texas, at approximately 0930. The operator reported to the FAA inspector that the non-instrument rated private pilot returned to flying after a number of years away from aviation. He had accumulated approximately 20 hours in the aircraft during the previous 90 days and had rented the airplane. The pilot reported to the FAA inspector that he had planned a VFR flight and did not file a flight plan. He further stated that IFR conditions with low clouds, thunderstorms and rain showers developed while he was en route, forcing him to descend. While maneuvering at low altitude, the airplane struck power lines. The pilot was able to control the aircraft, continued the flight and landed without further incident at the Cleburne Municipal Airport. According to the FAA inspector, the airplane's vertical stabilizer and rudder were damaged. The right wing was wrinkled. Clear skies with visibility greater than 10 miles were reported by the surface weather observation stations throughout the area at the time of the flight. Surface winds were reported from the east southeast at 3 to 9 knots. There was no record found that the pilot obtained a weather briefing. Numerous attempts were made by the investigator-in-charge to obtain a completed Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2). To date, the report has not been submitted. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N734SV](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N734SV-2020-10-03), registration cancelled 2020-10-03, S/N 17269085, built 1977 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Cessna 172N - Registry model: [Cessna 172N](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172n) (registry code 2072434) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 17269085 - Engines: Lycoming O-320-E2D 150 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Sam Ball - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Departed: 5T5, HILLSBORO, TX - Destination: F18 - Airport: F18, Cleburne Municipal, runway 15, 5,700 × 100 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 40; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 120 total, 20 in this make and model ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 110° at 6 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 68 °F, dew point 48 °F - Observed at: FTW, 30 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 19990406045609A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19990406045609A), Apr 6, 1999: Cessna 172, Cleburne, TX, No damage. (-23)Aircraft contacted power lines while in flight. 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.