NTSB Factual Report

On June 6, 2004, at 1600 central daylight time, a Cessna 150, N10424, owned and operated by a non-certificated pilot, collided with utility lines while maneuvering in Decatur, Alabama. The personal flight was operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The pilot received minor injuries and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The flight originated at Hampton-Russell Airstrip, Decatur, Alabama, at 1530 on June 6, 2004.

According to the pilot, he took off from the private grass airstrip with the intention of "buzzing" a friend's property. He stated that after he located the property and observed people outside, he turned the airplane around to begin maneuvering to a lower altitude. He stated that at about 1500 feet mean sea level, he began a descent over a field in the general direction of the property. He said he saw the power lines a short time and distance later, and he advanced the throttle to full power and pulled up on the yoke. He stated that the engine did not produce an immediate response. The airplane collided with the power lines 50 feet above ground level and a subsequent forced landing was attempted in a nearby field.

Examination of the airplane wreckage revealed that the firewall sustained extensive damage, the windscreen was broken from mounts, both wings incurred spar and rib damage, the fuselage and tail were buckled and bent, and the nose gear was torn from the fuselage.

The pilot reported he and the previous owner of the airplane made a verbal agreement to exchange ownership of the airplane approximately two years ago, but registration paperwork with the Federal Aviation Administration was never filed.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain obstacle clearance, which resulted in collision with utility wires.