Monday, August 11, 2025

Collision during takeoff/land: Piper PA-11 Cub Special, N4846M, accident on October 19, 2024, at Rexburg-Madison County Airport (RXE/KRXE), Rexburg, Idaho

  • Location: Rexburg, Idaho
  • Accident Number: WPR25LA021 
  • Date & Time: October 19, 2024, 12:30 Local 
  • Registration: N4846M Aircraft: Piper PA-11 
  • Aircraft Damage: Substantial 
  • Defining Event: Collision during takeoff/land 
  • Injuries: 1 Serious, 1 Minor 
  • Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Air drop

https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/195358/pdf

https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=195358

The pilot stated that he was in a pumpkin drop competition that was being held on a farm field with a new landing strip. The prevailing winds necessitated that the airplanes fly over transmission wires prior to landing. The pilot stated that he dropped his pumpkins, but missed the target by a long distance. During his landing, he flew over one set of power lines and reduced power to descend and land. The airplane inadvertently struck a second, parallel set of wires that he had not seen.

The pilot stated that there were no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot was hospitalized for 12 weeks following the accident.

- Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to see and avoid transmission wires during the landing approach.

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