Bellanca 8KCAB Super Decathlon, N2504Z: Accident occurred October 11, 2016 in Knoxville, Knox County, Tennessee

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Nashville, Tennessee

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms

Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

http://registry.faa.gov/N2504Z

NTSB Identification: ERA17CA012
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Tuesday, October 11, 2016 in Knoxville, TN
Probable Cause Approval Date: 06/20/2017
Aircraft: BELLANCA 8KCAB, registration: N2504Z
Injuries: 2 Minor.

NTSB investigators used data provided by various entities, including, but not limited to, the Federal Aviation Administration and/or the operator and did not travel in support of this investigation to prepare this aircraft accident report.

Shortly after departing and while flying along a river, the airplane struck two of five unmarked utility wires that spanned the river. The airplane subsequently impacted water, which resulted in substantial damage to the airframe and minor injuries to the pilot and passenger. When asked how the accident could have been prevented, the pilot stated, "Increase altitude minimums by at least double to ensure adequate reaction time to avoid obstacles."

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows:
The pilot's intentional low-altitude operation, which resulted in his failure to maintain clearance from unmarked utility wires.

Shortly after departing, and while flying along a river, the airplane struck 2 of 5 unmarked utility wires that spanned across the river. The airplane subsequently impacted the water below resulting in substantial damage to the airframe and minor injuries to the pilot and passenger. When asked how the accident could have been prevented the pilot stated, "Increase altitude minimums by at least double to ensure adequate reaction time to avoid obstacles."