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NTSB Report
August 18, 1996 · Piper PA-38-112 · N4405E
Tuscaloosa, AL
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 18, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Tuscaloosa, AL
Aircraft
Piper PA-38-112
Tail Number
N4405E
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL96LA121
According to the pilot, the airplane collided with a relay antenna during maneuvering flight as he searched for a friend's home. After the collision, the pilot regained control of the airplane and returned to the departure airport. No mechanical problems with the airplane were reported by the pilot.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to see and avoid an antenna during low altitude maneuvering.
Full Narrative
On August 18, 1996, at 1859 central daylight time, a Piper PA-38 N4405E, collided with a State Police relay antenna about 300 above the ground five miles east of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The personal flight operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The airplane received substantial damage, and the pilot and passenger were not injured. The flight departed Tuscaloosa at 1830. According to the pilot, the collision occurred as he searched for a friend's home in the vicinity of the relay antenna. After the collision, the pilot regained control of the airplane and returned to Tuscaloosa. No mechanical problems with the airplane were reported by the pilot. .
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:59 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-38-112
Tail NumberN4405E
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235-L2A · Reciprocating · 112
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 22 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind360° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time00:13
Weather SourceWFAC