7a) Terrain collision – powerlines
15 fatal accidents on record
This happens mostly in flight where the pilot does NOT become disoriented. The pilot is simply unaware of looming power lines in his or her flight path. The aircraft is being operated at very low altitude for the purpose of either pleasure, or for scud running purposes. Power lines are most often situated parallel to roads, and most often perpendicular to rivers. These accidents can occur in either visual, marginal IMC, low light, or darkness conditions.
Trend
- Accidents per quarter
- Rolling 12-month average
| Period | Accidents | Rolling 12-month average per quarter |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 2025 | 3 | 0.8 |
| Q2 2025 | 5 | 2 |
| Q3 2025 | 1 | 2.3 |
| Q4 2025 | 1 | 2.5 |
| Q1 2026 | 2 | 2.3 |
| Q2 2026 | 1 | 1.3 |
| Q3 2026 | 1 | 1.3 |
| Q4 2026 QTD | 0 | 1.3 |
Lessons
Short reads from the DTSB lesson library for this category.
No lessons for this category yet.
Practice scenarios
What to practice to keep this from happening to you. Fly drills with a qualified instructor at a safe altitude, or in a simulator.
No practice scenarios for this category yet.
Recent accidents in this category
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7a) Terrain collision – powerlinesCessna 195 | N3877V
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7a) Terrain collision – powerlinesPiper PA22-150 | N9642D
7a) Terrain collision – powerlines