NYC98LA135

The student pilot flew an approach to a river to land his floatplane. During the approach, the airplane's right wing struck an unmarked power-line, which caused the airplane to spin several times before impacting the water, floats first. The student pilot had never obtained his private pilot's certificate, although he had logged over 5,800 hours as student pilot-in-command, of which 2,200 hours were in make and model.

On June 28, 1998, at 1345 eastern daylight time, a Taylorcraft BC12-65, a floatplane, N47893, was substantially damaged when its right wing contacted a power line during an approach to the Saco River near West Buxton, Maine. The student pilot was seriously injured and visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the instructional flight that departed Watchete Lake near Standish, Maine, about 1315. No flight plan was filed and the flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

During a telephone interview, the student pilot stated he was executing a river landing to the south on the Saco River, when he encountered a "slight" down draft, causing the right wing to contact a power-line that spanned the half mile wide river. After contacting the wire, the airplane spun several times before impacting the water, floats first. The pilot added he was not aware of the wires and that they were unmarked.

Also during the telephone interview, the student pilot stated that he had over 2,200 hours of floatplane experience and over 5,800 hours of pilot-in-command time as a student pilot. The student pilot also stated that he has owned several airplanes in his life, and currently owns two. In addition he stated that his pilot logbook was in the airplane at the time of the accident, and can not be located.