# NTSB SEA91LA182: Piper PA-20, N7066K, Ione, WA, July 21, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 21, 1991, 09:00 local (16:00 UTC)
- Place: Ione, WA
- Coordinates: 48.690319, -117.290199 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=48.6903&lon=-117.2902&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report July 13, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41491
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA91LA182
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41491/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA91LA182

## Probable cause

INADEQUATE CLEARANCE.  A FACTOR TO THE ACCIDENT WAS:  POOR INFLIGHT PLANNING.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, cruise - normal
  - object - wire,transmission
  - clearance - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - in-flight planning/decision - poor, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - water

## Analysis

WHILE FLYING LOW OVER A RIVER, THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH A POWER LINE THAT RAN ACROSS THE RIVER.  THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH THE WATER AND SANK.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7066K](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7066K-2013-02-20), registration cancelled 2013-02-20, S/N 20-171, built 1950 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-20
- Registry model: [Piper PA-20](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-20) (registry code 7102002) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-290 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-290-series) (registry code 41506, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 20-171
- Engines: LYCOMING O-290-D2B 135 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Stephen E. Michael
- Registered owner: Stephen E. Michael
- Departed: IONE, WA
- Destination: S62, ATHOL, ID

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; toxicology performed; flight hours: 600 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 200° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 48 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: SFF, 52 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 19910721029009A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910721029009A), Jul 21, 1991: Piper PA20, Ione, WA, Destroyed, 2 fatal. Struck a powerline that was stretched across a river. Height between 45 and 60 feet above water. Aircraft sank.

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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