THE DTSB
The DTSB determines the Probable Cause of this accident to be pilot error, in that the pilot struck high tension power lines during landing at a private airstrip northwest of Batesville, AR. The pilot was trapped in the in the aircraft, which was suspended approximately 150 feet above ground, when a rescue attempt was made by local emergency services in conjunction with the Arkansas National Guard. A Chinook helicopter enroute to attempt to extricate the pilot from the suspended aircraft but did not arrive before local help used a crossbow to shoot a rope over a wire above him and lower a deer hunting harness to the pilot. The pilots arm was injured in the original crash and the pilot fell from the result of either rope break, harness failure, or a failure to become secure in the harness before exiting the plane. Details of the event are not consistent at this time, other than the fact that the pilot did not jump, but rather was being aided somehow by rescue personnel. This accident summary will be updated as soon as more specific information becomes available.