# NTSB SEA90LA181: Cessna U206, N2107F, Lewistown, MT, September 6, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 6, 1990, 11:00 local (17:00 UTC)
- Place: Lewistown, MT
- Location: 47.0514° N, 109.4524° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Lewistown, MT, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.0514&lon=-109.4524&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 9, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41275
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA90LA181
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41275/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA90LA181

## Probable cause

THE PILOT DID NOT MAINTAIN AN ADEQUATE LOOKOUT WHILE MANEUVERING WHICH RESULTED IN A COLLISION WITH A TRANSMISSION WIRE.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

DURING A LOCAL FLIGHT, THE PILOT WAS FLYING AT APRX 800 FT AGL LOOKING FOR A TIRE THAT HAD FALLEN OFF A TRUCK. THE FLIGHT WAS PARALLELING A ROAD WHEN THE PILOT SPOTTED WHAT HE THOUGHT WAS THE TIRE. THE PILOT MADE A LEFT DESCENDING TURN TO GET A CLOSER LOOK WHEN THE AIRPLANE STRUCK A TRANMISSION WIRE. THE PILOT WAS UNAWARE OF THE COLLISION AND PROCEEDED TO ANOTHER LANDING STRIP. IT WAS LATER FOUND THAT THE LEFT WINGS LEADING EDGE WAS DENTED AND A GRASS FIRE HAD IGNITED FROM THE DOWNED WIRE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2107F](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2107F), registered now, S/N U206-0307, built 1965 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA U206
- Registry model: [Cessna U206](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-u206) (registry code 2073306) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental IO-520 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-io-520-series) (registry code 17032, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: U206-0307
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-520-A5 285 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Larry C. Hoffman
- Registered owner: Unknown

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 1,553 total, 1,300 in this make and model, 62 in the last 90 days, 40 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 30 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 19900906039699A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900906039699A), Sep 6, 1990: Cessna U206, Lewiston, MT, Substantial damage. Struck a power line while decending to see object on ground. Flew to another airport and to base unaware of damage.

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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