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C-FITAQP: 7a) TERRAIN COLLISION – POWERLINES

Cub Crafters FX-2 | N126C

Black Canyon, Idaho

  • DTSB analysis published
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Key facts

  • DateJanuary 27, 2026
  • Local time11:00 AM
  • LightDay
  • WeatherVMC
  • Phase of flightEnroute
  • People on board2
  • Fatalities2
  • AirportS78

Last updated: January 28, 2026

Accident Location

City, State
Black Canyon, Idaho
Latitude
43.936944
Longitude
-116.3675
Airport ID
S78
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Aircraft Info

N Number
N126C
Make
Cub Crafters
Model
FX-2
Category / Class
Aircraft Single Engine Land
Amateur Built
Yes
Registry
FAA Registry Inquiry For: N126C →

Pilot Info

Pilot in command
Steadham, Roland William
Gender
Male
Age
67
Certification
Commercial Pilot
IFR rating
No
Medical
Basic Med
Flight school
No
Instructional flight
No

Analysis

Weather
VMC
Time of day
Day
Phase of flight
Enroute
Pilot error
Yes
Pilot incapacitation
No
People on board
2
PIC fatality
1
Passenger fatalities
1
Total fatalities
2
NTSB travel
Unknown
AQP category
7a) TERRAIN COLLISION – POWERLINES →

Probable Cause

THE DTSB

The DTSB determines toe Probable Cause of this accident to be pilot error, in that the pilot of the accident aircraft did intentionally fly a low level flight while following a river and struck high tension power lines. The purpose of the flight had been for scenic purposes. The powerlines were not new, and were well marked. Both occupants were killed instantly when the aircraft impacted the frozen river in a vertical profile after striking the wires.

NTSB

None yet (final report not yet published).

Recommendation

THE DTSB

The DTSB recommends that all pilots of all aircraft accomplish thorough and proper pre flight planning for any intended low level scenic flights intended to be very close to the surface.

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