Aviat A-1B N314MA

Summary

On 26 August 2006 at about 21:30 local time, a Aviat A-1B registered N314MA was involved in an accident near Minocqua, Wisconsin, United States. 2 people were on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

26 August 2006 at 21:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Minocqua, Wisconsin, United States

Coordinates

45.9281, -89.7311

Aircraft

Aviat A-1B

Registration

N314MA

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Lac Du Flambeau → Minocqua

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CHI06CA246

Nobody was injured.

The inadvertent collision with power lines. A factor associated with the accident was the water which blended in with the power lines resulting in the pilot's inability to see them prior to contact.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The amphibious airplane collided with power lines while on final approach to land on a lake. The pilot reported that he flew upwind over the lake at an altitude of 500 feet above the water to look for boats and obstructions. Not seeing any, he entered a traffic pattern to land. He reported that he was on final approach, slightly below tree top level, when the airplane contacted the power line. The pilot reported that he instantly applied full power and back elevator trying to keep the airplane level. He reported the airplane "pancaked" into the water. The pilot and passenger exited the airplane without injury. Inspection of the landing site revealed the poles which supported the power lines were located in wooded areas on both sides of the water and the color of the power line blended with the water. The pilot reported that residents who live on the lake informed him that the power lines were marked with orange balls until the lines were replaced a couple years ago at which time the balls were removed.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.