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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

July 15, 2000 · Piper PA-22-160 · N8768D

Lancaster, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 15, 2000
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Lancaster, CA
Aircraft
Piper PA-22-160
Tail Number
N8768D
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX00LA267

The pilot was on approach to the dirt airstrip where he based his airplane when he encountered wind gusts, which he said buffeted him around and caused a loss of lift. The airplane came into contact with power lines, which were about 30 feet agl. The airplane descended nose first and struck the ground.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate compensation for gusty winds conditions that resulted in the collision with a power line during final approach.

Full Narrative

On July 15, 2000, at 1150 hours Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-22-160, N8768D, collided with power lines on approach to a dirt airstrip at Lancaster, California. The private pilot and his passenger sustained minor injuries. The airplane, owned and operated by the pilot, sustained substantial damage during the contact with the power lines. The personal cross-country flight was conducted under CFR Part 91 when the accident occurred. The airplane had taken off from Tehachapi at 1100, and was destined for Little Buttes Antique Airstrip in Lancaster. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident and a flight plan was not filed. The pilot said he was lined up on approach to the dirt runway in a westerly direction when the wind buffeted him around and caused a loss of lift. The tail wheel of the airplane struck a power line about 30 feet above ground level (agl), and the airplane descended to a nose first ground impact. The impact caused damage to the propeller, the landing gear, left rear strut and bottom of the fuselage. The Federal Aviation Administration inspector who examined the accident site at the request of the Safety Board stated that the power lines were about 30 feet agl, and that they were marked with orange balls. Winds at nearby Lancaster Fox Field at the time of the accident were 230 degrees at 13 knots, gusting to 22 knots.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:50 PDT
Nearest AirportLittle Butte Antique (0nm)
Runway24
Runway Length2900 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-22-160
Tail NumberN8768D
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-A2A · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 74 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind230° @ 13 kt, gusting 22 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point20 C / 11 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time18:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data