7a) TERRAIN COLLISION - POWERLINES, C-FIT

Cessna 180 | N2908C

April 18th, 2025 | Fremont, Nebraska

Accident Location

  • City: Fremont
  • State: Nebraska
  • Latitude: 41.4075
  • Longitude: -96.51444
  • Airport ID: KFET

Aircraft Info

  • N Number: N2908C
  • Make: Cessna
  • Model: 180
  • Aircraft Category: Aircraft Single Engine Land
  • Amateur Built: No

Pilot Info

  • PIC Name: Williams, Daniel Perry
  • Gender: Male
  • Pilot Age: 43
  • Pilot Hours:
  • Flight School: No
  • Instructional Flight: No
  • Pilot Certification: Commercial Pilot
  • IFR Rating: Yes
  • Pilot Error: Yes
  • Pilot Medical: 2nd Class Medical
  • Pilot Incapacitation: No

Analysis

  • Date: April 18th, 2025
  • Time: 8:15 PM Local Time
  • Day / Night: Night
  • VMC / IMC: VMC
  • Phase Of Flight: Maneuvering
  • Total People Onboard: 3
  • PIC Fatality: 1
  • PAX Fatalities: 2
  • Ground Fatalities: 0
  • Total Fatalities: 3
  • NTSB No:
  • NTSB Travel: Unknown
  • AQP Classification: 7a) TERRAIN COLLISION - POWERLINES, C-FIT

Probable Cause

DTSB: The DTSB determines the probable Cause of this accident to be Pilot Error, in that the very experienced crop duster accident pilot did maneuver his aircraft at a very low altitude during a period of reduced daylight, while flying down the Platte river for the purpose of providing a thrilling scenic flight. He had made a phone call in advance of the accident flight to inform those individuals positioned along the river to watch for him. The accident pilot struck power lines perpendicular to flight path which were positioned across the river, the tail of the aircraft was separated from the aircraft in flight.

NTSB: NONE

Recommendation

DTSB: The DTSB recommends that all pilots of all aircraft avoid low level flight in deteriorating visibility conditions. The DTSB also recommends that all pilots of all aircraft become increasingly aware of powerlines that nearly always run perpendicular to the path of streams and rivers.

NTSB: NONE

DISCLAIMER: All data and Probable Cause listings are “Probable” only. They are based on opinion and educated speculation, and are for educational purposes only. They may contain incorrect information and are subject to change as new information becomes available.