Original Posted By: Michael Brusilow
Was checking the NTSB web site on another incidentand ran into this accident involving a PIET.Thank goodness the durability of the craft saved itsoccupant.NTSB Identification: FTW99LA042Accident occurred DEC-02-98 at ENGLAND, ARAircraft: HOLIMAN PIETENPOL AIRCAMPER, registration: N396S Injuries: 1 Serious. This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors.Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has beencompleted.On December 2, 1998, at approximately 1425 central standard time, a HolimanPietenpol Aircamper homebuilt airplane, N396S, was substantially damageupon collision with a power line while maneuvering near England, Arkansas.The commercial pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was seriously injured.The experimental airplane was owned and operated by the pilot/builder underTitle 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed throughoutthe area for the local personal flight. The flight originated from theSaline County Airport, in Benton, Arkansas, approximately 30 prior to theaccident. According to witnesses near the accident site, the high wingtailwheel equipped airplane was observed maneuvering at low altitude in thevicinity of the accident. A nearby resident reported to law enforcementofficers hearing the sound of the airplane engine flying near hisresidence. The resident reported that the sound of the engine stopped aboutthe same time that his home lost electrical power. The resident wentoutside and observed that the single powerline servicing his home was downon the ground and the remains of the wood and fabric airplane came to restcame to rest about 200 feet beyond the point where the wire was severed.The 74 year old commercial pilot was occupying the front seat of the 2-seattandem airplane. Examination of the wreckage of the airplane by the FAAinspector that traveled to the accident site revealed that the fuselage andboth wings sustained structural damage. The inspector further notedcontinuity to all flight controls. Likewise, continuity was established toall engine controls. Fuel was found at the site and there was no fire. Index for Dec 1998 | Index of Months ________________________________________________________________________________