On Thursday, November 27, 2022, an MFC Corp Mooney M20J departed Westchester County Airport (HPN) in White Plains, New York at 3:00 p.m., before crashing and becoming entangled in power lines approximately two-and-a-half hours later. The aircraft was bound for Montgomery County Airpark (GAI) in Gaithersburg, MD.
On the approach to Montgomery County Airpark, restricted visibility became an issue for 65-year-old lawyer Patrick Merkle, the pilot flying. Weather conditions were reporting mist, fog, low visibility, and low cloud ceilings at the time requiring instrument flying conditions. The aircraft crashed into the power lines almost two miles northwest of the runway whilst on final.
The accident took place at 5:30 p.m. with both the pilot and passenger trapped inside while the aircraft was suspended on the power lines approximately 100 feet above the ground. It took emergency services in excess of seven hours to extricate the plane and its occupants with 120,000 homes left without power during the operation. Montgomery County schools were closed for the day with the entire rescue complete at 1:00 a.m. this morning. Both occupants sustained "serious" injuries according to Montgomery County Fire and EMS.
ADVERTISEMENT
As of now, the NTSB is investigating the crash and estimates a preliminary report within three weeks. The NTSB says it will be focusing mainly on the pilot, the aircraft, and the environment at the time of the accident. No criminal activity or foul play is suspected as of yet.
Delta is Giving Away Free Flights to the Paris Olympics. Here's How to Enter » ANALYSIS: Some Pacific Airports Could be Underwater Sooner Than We Think » The Iron Dome: How Israel Was Able to Thwart 99% of Iran's Missile Attacks Thus Far »
Comments (1)
Richard
I have been talking about this for almost 20 years, with little success. The majority of wire strike accidents are not helicopters or crop dusters. The most common wire strike accident is a GA aircraft that is not doing low level work. With a fatality rate of over 50%. Gald everyone survived this one. The FAA updated the Private and Commercial PTSs in 2015 to include wire strike prevention, however they didn't provide any guidance to Examiners or instructors.
Add Your Comment
SHARE
TAGS
NEWS crash aircraft aviation powerline accident MooneyRECENTLY PUBLISHED
ANALYSIS: Some Pacific Airports Could be Underwater Sooner Than We Think
As some nations shrink into the sea, aviation remains important to keeping the economy and tourism industries alive.
INFORMATIONAL
READ MORE »
Dream Big: 8 Thrilling Aviation Careers That Don't Involve Flying
Are you considering a career in the aviation industry, but you do not think you are quite cut out to be a pilot? Here are some alternative jobs that you can pursue if you want to work in the aviation industry.
INFORMATIONAL
READ MORE »
The World's Top 5 Most Breathtaking Airport Designs
Airports are more than just places for planes to land and take off; they serve as ambassadors of the communities they serve. In many cases, they provide the first impression of a city or country to passengers passing through.
INFORMATIONAL
READ MORE »
