Aircraft clips power line

An aircraft flying at a low elevation above Lower Twin Lake clipped a power line Sunday evening, severely damaging the line and leading to the closure of that section of the lake during repairs, according to a press release by the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office.

Witnesses reported a small civilian airplane struck the power line, possibly with its landing gear, dislodging a piece of the plane which fell into the lake. The plane continued flying west out of the area.

The Sheriff’s Office closed a portion of Lower Twin Lake south of the channel for several hours while the line was repaired. Twin Lakes Road was also closed during the repairs.

Citing concerns for public safety and the possibility the pilot was unaware of the potential damage to the aircraft, the Sheriff’s Office seeks assistance in identifying the aircraft involved. Witnesses described the plane as a small civilian craft, with a white over blue color scheme, with large field or back country tires. The wings may be mounted on top of the fuselage.

Anyone with information about the aircraft is asked to call the Kootenai County Sherrif’s Office at 208-446-1300.