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The Antrim County Sheriff department reported pilot Kevin Duane Johnson of Gaylord reported to them on April 24 that he was flying from Traverse City to Pellston at 185 MPH and an altitude of 2,000 feet.

He initially reported an object shattered the windshield, causing him to become disoriented and lose altitude. As he allegedly attempted to regain altitude, the aircraft struck some high voltage wires across Wilson Lake.

After the collision, Johnson landed safely at East Jordan airport, located in southern Charlevoix County. The twin engine BeechCraft was owned and operated by North Country Aviation of Gaylord.

At the point of impact, according to sheriff deputiesm the four electrical wires were about 44 feet from the water surface. The plane cut the bottom two wires, each carrying 46,000 volts, resulting in power outages in Central Lake, Ellsworth, Eastport and East Jordan.

Debris that included the planeÕs rear door and some personal items were located north of the scene, according to deputies. Investigators took the information and statements from eyewitnesses and then reinterviewed Johnson.

During the second interview, the pilot changed his original story, telling investigators he was intentionally flying low over the hills and lakes and when he came upon the power lines, he was unable to avoid them. The FAA will complete their investigation and determine what consequences, if any, Johnson will face. He has been a commercial pilot since 2005.

At about 4:45 p.m. pn the same day, deputies were called to a bike/pickup accident on M-32 in Warner Twp.

The accident involved two bicyclists that were struck by a pickup. The pickup driver, Darren Edward Zimmer of Gaylord, told deputies he was traveling east on M-32 when he looked down. The next thing he knew, Zimmer had struck two bicyclists also traveling east on M-32. The two were identified as Brandon Wayne Inglehart of Petoskey and William James Aten of Boyne Falls. Inglehart was transported to Munson Hospital by North Flight Air, where he was listed in critical but stable condition last week. Aten was taken to Northern Michigan Hospital in Petoskey, where he was listed in stable condition last week.

FAA inspector Thomas Kozura, after investigating the earlier aircraft incident, happened upon the scene. Using his first aid training, he administered first aid to the bicyclists. He also used a first aid kit he carried in his vehicle and cleared WadeÕs airway, who was unconscious, allowing him to regain consciousness. He also continued first aid until EMS crews arrived.

Deputies indicated the first aid assistance rendered by Kozura clearly saved WadeÕs life.

Michigan State Police from the Kalkaska post assisted at the scene. When the report is completed, it will be forwarded to Antrim County Prosecutor Charles Koop for possible charges. Deputies said alcohol was not a factor in the incident.