Low altitude operation/event: Cessna 172M Skyhawk, N9160H, fatal accident occurred on February 16, 2024, near Brookwood, Alabama

• Location: Brookwood, Alabama 
• Accident Number: ERA24LA114 
• Date & Time: February 16, 2024, 10:29 Local 
• Registration: N9160H 
• Aircraft: Cessna 172M 
• Aircraft Damage: Substantial 
• Defining Event: Low altitude operation/event 
• Injuries: 1 Fatal 
• Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/193809/pdf

https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=193809

On February 16, 2024, at 1029 central standard time, a Cessna 172M, N9160H, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Brookwood, Alabama. The commercial pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

Witnesses reported the airplane was flying low over a river with the engine operating at a high rpm when it collided with a set of powerlines about 60-80 ft above the ground. The airplane descended into the river and sank, resulting in substantial damage to the airplane and fatal injury to the pilot.

Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Although an autopsy of the pilot revealed hypertensive and arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, given the airplane’s low and level flight before the collision a cardiac event was unlikely to have contributed to the accident.

- Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to see and avoid powerlines while maneuvering at low altitude.