# NTSB MIA90LA024: Piper PA-18-150, N4129E, Immokalee, FL, November 3, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 3, 1989, 15:40 local (20:40 UTC)
- Place: Immokalee, FL
- Location: 26.4240° N, 81.4216° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Immokalee, FL, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=26.4240&lon=-81.4216&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report September 5, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 32600
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA90LA024
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/32600/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA90LA024

## Probable cause

FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN PROPER ALTITUDE AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT TO SEE AND AVOID OBSTRUCTIONS.  THE STATIC LINE (OBSTRUCTION) 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, maneuvering
  - low pass - initiated
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - wire,static (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

AFTER TAKEOFF, THE PLT TURNED TO A NORTHERLY HEADING & REMAINED AT LOW ALT TO VIEW HIS AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPEMENT NEAR THE AIRSTRIP. THIS HEADING TOOK THE ACFT TOWARD HIGH TENSION POWER LINES, JUST NORTH OF THE PRIVATE STRIP. THE PLT SELECTED A FLT PATH OVER THE LOWEST SAG IN THE LINES; HOWEVER, NEITHER HE NOR THE PASSENGER SAW THE STATIC CABLES ABOVE THE MAIN TRANSMISSION LINES. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH AN UPPER (STATIC) CABLE. THE CABLE STOPPED THE ACFT'S FORWARD MOVEMENT & IT DROPPED NEARLY STRAIGHT-DOWN TO THE GROUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4129E](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4129E), registered now, S/N 18-7809081, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-18-150
- Registry model: [Piper PA-18-150](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-18-150) (registry code 7101828) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18-7809081
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2B 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: Smoak Groves, Inc.
- Registered owner: Unknown
- Destination: 8X5, LAKE PLACID, FL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 1,510 total, 300 in this make and model, 1,510 as pilot in command, 30 in the last 90 days, 20 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 45° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °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 19891103044299A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19891103044299A), Nov 3, 1989: Piper PA18150, Immokalee, FL, Substantial damage. Struck a static powerline trying to climb through a powerline saddle. Did not see unmarked static line.

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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