NTSB Factual Report

On March 22, 2003, at 1457 central standard time, a Champion 7ECA, N1814G, owned and piloted by a commercial pilot, was destroyed when it impacted a power line and terrain while maneuvering along a road near Raymond, Minnesota. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was not operating on a flight plan. The pilot and passenger received serious injuries. The flight originated from Willmar Municipal Airport, Willmar, Minnesota, at 1430, en route to Clara City, Minnesota.

A witness, who was also a friend of the pilot and passenger, stated that he and another person were traveling along a road in a car at the time of the accident. He stated that the pilot was, "hot dogging around in front of us and stuff" along a road and field with power lines. The witness reported that the pilot was a crop duster and was "used to spinning and going up and down." When questioned if the pilot was "showing off," the witness responded, "yeah, I suppose." The witness stated that the pilot was "going to go underneath the power lines and back up and then [the pilot] must not apparently have seen it, [the] lower [power line], clipped it and took one wing off and nose-dived into the ground."

Inspection of the wreckage by the Federal Aviation Administration revealed no preexisting anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The altitude/clearance not maintained by the pilot and his ostentatious display. The power lines and the pilot's maneuvering at low altitude were contributing factors.