NTSB Factual Report

On September 4, 2001, at 2040 mountain standard time, a Cessna 182G, N3250S, collided with power lines approximately 4 miles short of runway 32 while attempting to land at the Cottonwood Airport, Cottonwood, Arizona. The airplane was rented by the pilot from Arrow Aviation, Colorado Springs, Colorado, and was operated under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The private pilot, the sole occupant, was seriously injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal cross-country flight, and no flight plan had been filed. The flight departed the City of Colorado Springs Municipal Airport, Colorado Springs, about 1500. The flight was scheduled to terminate at the Phoenix Deer Valley Airport, Phoenix, Arizona.

An on-scene inspection of the accident site revealed that the airplane's altimeter read 2,850 feet, and GPS data obtained from the accident site concerning the altitude was 3,402 feet. The right wing was punctured and the fuel line was severed. Approximately 12 gallons of fuel was removed from the left wing. The smell of fuel was present and visible on the ground around the airplane. The fuel selector was found in the "BOTH" position. Power lines south of the accident site were approximately 60 feet tall, with upsloping terrain.

WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION

The wreckage was located about 1/4 mile west of Highway 260, at milepost 209.6. The area was flat, hard desert terrain with scrub brush typical of desert terrain. There were multiple sets of varying heights of power lines on the final approach path for runway 32. There was damage to the middle group of power lines and witness marks similar to power line signatures on the right wing strut of the accident airplane. Witness marks for the landing gear and propeller were found in the ground past the power lines. The airplane came to rest, inverted, about 903 feet north of the power lines.

PERSONNEL INFORMATION

In a letter dated January 18, 2001, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) informed the pilot that if he did not schedule a reexamination flight for an incident that occurred on February 16, 2000, his certificate would be suspended. The incident in question was a cross-country flight from Colorado Springs to Phoenix that involved navigational issues. The due date for the reexamination was March 2001. The FAA stated that there was no indication that the pilot had complied with the request for reexamination. The responding police officer and the FAA did not find a pilot certificate. Paperwork found onboard the airplane by the responding officer indicated that on August 31, 2001, the pilot had placed money into an account with Arrow Aviation, and that he was current to fly with passengers.

WITNESS STATEMENTS

A compilation of witnesses reported that the airplane was flying very low in the vicinity of the accident location. One witness at his home stated that the airplane was flying low and made a turn, "like he was trying to turn into the glide path to the runway . . . ," and then made a 180-degree turn from the direction that he had first seen it traveling. Two different witnesses observed the airplane; lights on, and then saw a flash of lights, and a dust cloud. One of the witness reported observing fluid flowing out of the engine.

A witness also reported that the airplane came in from the highway and overflew the airport. The airplane circled back for an approach to land and struck power lines. The witness stated there were no discrepancies noted with the sound of the engine; it sounded as if it was producing power.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Repeated attempts to reach the pilot for further information were unsuccessful.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to obtain/maintain a proper descent rate, as well as prematurely starting his decent during nighttime operations, subsequently colliding with 60-foot power lines 4 miles from the airport.