WPR14CA347

Factual narrative

The pilot stated that he was flying the airplane at 50 feet above ground level. He spotted a coyote and dropped to a lower altitude to take a closer look. He circled the coyote and was aware of the power lines near by, however, he did not compensate for the wind drift, which pushed the airplane toward the power lines. While in a 40-degree angle of bank the lower wing struck the power line. The wing folded upward and the airplane impacted the ground in an upright position substantially damaging the fuselage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot stated that he was flying the airplane at 50 feet above ground level. He spotted a coyote and dropped to a lower altitude to take a closer look. He circled the coyote and was aware of the power lines near by, however, he did not compensate for the wind drift, which pushed the airplane toward the power lines. While in a 40-degree angle of bank the lower wing struck the power line. The wing folded upward and the airplane impacted the ground in an upright position substantially damaging the fuselage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Altitude-Not attained/maintained - C
• — Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Wire-Contributed to outcome
• — Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Wind-(general)-Response/compensation
• C Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot - C