NTSB Factual Report

On December 13, 2009, about 1720 central standard time, a Gibson Mark, Manta 503 weight-shift trike, N193AW, was substantially damaged during impact with a static wire while maneuvering near Magnolia, Texas. The sport pilot, the sole occupant, sustained serious injuries. The trike was registered to and operated by the pilot. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 local flight.

In a telephone conversation with the NTSB investigator-in-charge (IIC), the pilot reported that while flying near his house, the clouds appeared to extend all the way to the ground. The pilot decided to find a landing area near his house to wait out the deteriorating weather. After selecting a potential parking lot, the pilot elected to perform a low pass to see if the area was suitable for landing. While approaching the far end of the parking lot the pilot observed power lines running perpendicular to his flight path. During an attempted to fly under the wires, the trike impacted a static wire and subsequently the ground. Due to the pilot's injuries, he was unable to submit a NTSB 6120.1 accident form.

A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector that responded to the accident site reported that the trike’s undercarriage had sustained structural damage. In addition, there were no reported anomalies with the trike’s flight control system.

At 1753, the automated weather observing system at the Loan Star Executive Airport (CXO), Conroe, Texas, located 19 nautical miles northeast from the site of the accident, reported wind from 110 degrees at 4 knots, 10 statute miles visibility, overcast at 300 feet, temperature 52 degrees Fahrenheit, dew point 52 degrees Fahrenheit, and a barometric pressure setting of 30.01 inches of Mercury.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a static wire while maneuvering and his improper decision to fly with a low overcast sky.