NTSB Factual Report

On February 18, 2001, at approximately 1330 central standard time, a Piper PA-28-140, N9714W, piloted by a private pilot, sustained substantial damage during an in-flight collision with a power transmission line while maneuvering near Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the proposed accident time. The personal flight was operating under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 and was not on a flight plan. The pilot and his two passengers did not report any injuries. The flight departed Fergus Falls Municipal Airport, Fergus Falls, Minnesota, at 1300.

According to the pilot's written statement, " Flew down low on this lake on the edge of Frazee (about tree top high). Started pulling up and there were power lines across the lake. Pointed nose down to clear but the prop cut the bottom wire and the tail took the top one." The pilot reported, "Damaged the leading edges on both wings and the vertical stab on the tail."

NTSB Probable Cause

Altitude/clearance not maintained from the transmission wires during a low altitude flight/maneuver performed by the pilot. A factor to the accident was the transmission wires.