NTSB Factual Report

On March 23, 1993, at about 0730 central standard time, a Cessna 140, N76342, collided with a power line during cruise flight near Celina, Tennessee. The non-rated pilot had minor injuries, and his passenger was fatally injured. The aircraft was destroyed. The aircraft was operated under 14 CFR Part 91 by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight. The flight originated in Gainesboro, Tennessee, at an unknown time.

The pilot reported to law enforcement personnel that he was flying low, over the Cumberland River, when the aircraft collided with a power line. He lost aircraft control, and the aircraft crashed into the river.

An inspector from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) visited the accident site and inspected the aircraft after it was recovered from the river. He reported that the power line was severed at a point that was approximately 90 feet above the surface of the water. Details of his wreckage examination are included in the inspector's written statement as an attachment to this report.

The pilot was issued a student pilot and third class medical certificate on March 11, 1994. According to FAA records, he was not rated in any airplane. On his certificate application, he reported a total flying time of 385 hours. The passenger did not possess any pilot certificates or ratings.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN A PROPER ALTITUDE, AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE FROM THE TRANSMISSION WIRE.