# NTSB SEA99LA036: Piper J-5A, N28123, Rexburg, ID, February 20, 1999

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 20, 1999, 13:30 local (20:30 UTC)
- Place: Rexburg, ID
- Coordinates: 43.779434, -111.759223 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.7794&lon=-111.7592&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report June 21, 2000
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 45841
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA99LA036
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/45841/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA99LA036

## Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines.

## 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
  - altitude/clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, emergency descent/landing
- Main gear collapsed, emergency landing

## Analysis

While flying over a friend's house, the airplane struck a set of power lines.  After striking the power lines, the pilot attempted to land in a nearby field, due to extensive damage to the aircraft's rudder.  The aircraft's right main gear collapsed during the forced landing.  The power lines were approximately 35 feet above the ground.  The pilot reported no mechanical failure or malfunction with the aircraft prior to colliding with the power lines.

## Factual narrative

On February 20, 1999, about 1330 mountain standard time, a Piper J-5A, N28123, registered to and operated by the pilot as a 14 CFR 91 pleasure flight, was substantially damaged after colliding with power lines near Rexburg, Idaho.  Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the local flight.  The private pilot was not injured.  There was no fire and no report of an ELT actuating.  The flight originated from the Rexburg-Madison County Airport, Rexburg, Idaho, approximately 30 minutes prior to the accident.

During a telephone interview, the pilot stated that he struck a set of power lines while flying over a friend's house.  The pilot stated he did not see the power lines until it was too late to avoid them.  After striking the power lines, the pilot attempted to land in a nearby field, due to extensive damage to the aircraft's rudder.  The aircraft's right main landing gear collapsed during the forced landing.  The power lines were approximately 35 feet above the ground.  The pilot reported no mechanical failure or malfunction with the aircraft prior to colliding with the power lines.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N28123](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N28123), registered now, S/N 5-109, built 1940 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Piper J-5A
- Registry model: [Piper J5A](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-j5a) (registry code 7100702) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental C85 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c85-series) (registry code 17008, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 5-109
- Engines: Continental C-85-8 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Barrick, Roger S.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 1, 1998
- Departed: RXE, ID

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 43; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: unknown, unknown; seat: front; flight hours: 460 total, 400 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 45 °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 19990220001599A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19990220001599A), Feb 20, 1999: Piper J5A, Rexburg, ID, Substantial damage. Acft struck a power line and crashed. Other circumstances are unknown. On February 20, 1999, about 1329 mountain standard time, a Piper J-5A,N28123, registered…

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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