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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

Fatal accidents per quarter, last 8 quarters, with a rolling 12-month average (per quarter)
  • Accidents per quarter
  • Rolling 12-month average
7a) Terrain collision – powerlines: Fatal accidents per quarter, last 8 quarters, with a rolling 12-month average (per quarter)
PeriodAccidentsRolling 12-month average per quarter
Q1 202530.8
Q2 202552
Q3 202512.3
Q4 202512.5
Q1 202622.3
Q2 202611.3
Q3 202611.3
Q4 2026 QTD01.3

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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.

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Recent accidents in this category

See all 15 in the accident index →