Aeronca 65-CA accident near Polson, MT
On September 4, 2003, an Aeronca 65-CA (airplane) was involved in an accident near Polson, MT. 1 person died. Damage to the aircraft: substantial.
- Date
- September 4, 2003
- Place
- Polson, MT
- Aircraft
- Aeronca 65-CA · Airplane
- Injuries
- 1 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Substantial
- Position
- 47.667°N, 114.217°W
- NTSB ID
- 20030908X01482
NTSB summary
On September 4, 2003, at 0558 mountain daylight time, an Aeronca 65-CA, N33865, registered to and operated by the pilot as a 14 CFR Part 91 flight, collided with high tension power lines and subsequently the ground near Polson, Montana. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft was substantially damaged and the commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was fatally injured. It is believed that the flight departed from Hot Springs, Montana, approximately 15 minutes prior to the accident. The purpose of the flight is unknown and the flights destination is unknown. The terrain in the vicinity of the accident site was flat to rolling. Power company personnel reported that the power to the line failed at 0558. The elevation of the power line was estimated at 40 feet above ground level. Three lines run between towers. Two of the lines remained intact, while the third line was severed. One of the intact lines showed evidence of white paint transfer on the cable. The other intact cable showed evidence that a couple of the strands within the cable were severed. The aircraft wreckage was located below the lines. The aircraft came to rest inverted. The right wing was severely deformed, while the left wing remained relatively intact. The left main landing gear separated from the aircraft. The right main landing gear remained attached, however, bent aft. The nose of the aircraft was crushed aft. The propeller remained attached to the crankshaft. One propeller blade displayed severe "S" bending deformation. The other propeller blade was b
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from an object while maneuvering and alcohol impairment. Transmission wires, dark night conditions, and drug impairment were factors.
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Browse: Montana · Aeronca aircraft
Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.
