Cessna 180G | N4679U

The DTSB determines the probable Cause of this accident to be Pilot Error, in that the non instrument rated accident pilot did maneuver his aircraft during deteriorating low ceiling and visibility conditions, and struck power lines. The Low altitude flight coming from the south was in attempt to reach the Mattoon airport, and struck east – west oriented power lines situated on the north side of East County Road 000 (Trilla road) and exploded upon impact. The debris field was found to be situated south of the powerlines, indicating a possible low altitude attempt to reverse course and fly back south again. The accidents pilots most recent FAA medical was an expired third class medical from January 2019.

The DTSB recommends that all pilots of all aircraft avoid low level flight in poor weather conditions, during periods of increased urgency concerning completion of the flight. The DTSB also recommends that all pilots of all aircraft become increasingly aware of powerlines that nearly always run parallel to paved roads.