A-10C, T/N 79-0164, WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, MISSOURI 22 MAY 2013 On 22 May 2013 at approximately 1548 central daylight time, the mishap aircraft (MA), an A- 10C, tail number (T/N) 79-0164, assigned to the 442nd Fighter Wing, Whiteman Air Force Base (AFB), Missouri, impacted two cables during a low altitude training mission over Stockton Lake, Missouri, approximately 70 miles south of Whiteman AFB. Neither the mishap pilot (MP) nor any civilians near the mishap site were injured. The MA sustained extensive damage to the right horizontal stabilizer, vertical tail and rudder; the left wingtip; and weapons and suspension equipment mounted under the left wing, with a total repair cost of $698,858.69. Cost to repair the cables is unknown at this time. The mishap flight (MF) was planned, briefed and flown as a local two-ship low-altitude surface attack tactics mission. The planned flow of the mission was to depart Whiteman AFB under visual flight rules, complete air-to-air refueling in the Truman A and B Military Operating Areas (MOA), conduct low altitude tactical navigation (LATN) training in the LATN East area at 300 feet above ground level (AGL), execute simulated Maverick attacks in the Truman C MOA, and return to Whiteman AFB. The MF departed the Truman MOA and flew south toward Stockton Lake to conduct LATN. As the flight flew over the southeast branch of the lake, the MP descended below the approved minimum altitude of 300 feet AGL and maneuvered toward a boat that was traveling southeast on the lake. The MF lead (MFL) called on the radio that the flight was approaching power lines that cross the lake. The MP acknowledged the call but did not call “contact” on the obstruction as he continued his descent. At approximately 140 feet AGL, the MA impacted two protective cables that run above the power lines crossing the lake. The MP called “knock-it-off’ and began a climb as the MFL rejoined with the MP. The MP. stated to the MFL that he “hit those power lines.” The MFL examined the visible damage to the MA. The flight coordinated and completed checklist procedures for structural damage, controllability, and hydraulic failure, as the right hydraulic system eventually failed due to a cut hydraulic line in the leading edge of the right horizontal stabilizer. The flight coordinated the recovery plan with the supervisor of flying and declared an emergency with Whiteman AFB tower. The MP safely recovered the MA out of a straight-in approach. The MP shut down at the end of runway after landing, and the MA was towed to the parking ramp. The board president found clear and convincing evidence that the cause of the mishap was the MP’s poor judgment and lapse in flight discipline resulting in violation of flight rules and operating procedures relating to minimum altitudes. Additionally, the board president found by a preponderance of the evidence that the following factors substantially contributed to the mishap: (1) the MP channelized his attention on the boat and did not see the cables he ultimately impacted; (2) the MP’s complacency led to lack of response to altitude advisories; and (3) the MEFL did not confirm that the MP saw the cables nor direct the MP to climb in the absence of that confirmation, contrary to widely utilized techniques.