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NTSB Report
May 21, 1982 · Piper PA-28 · N2314F
Harrisburg, IL
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 21, 1982
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Harrisburg, IL
Aircraft
Piper PA-28
Tail Number
N2314F
Operator
William C Howell
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI82DA180
DURING A WEATHER BRIEFING, THE PILOT WAS ADVISED THAT THERE WERE THUNDERSTORMS IN THE AREA OF HIS DESTINATION AT ABOUT 1415 CDT, HE DEPARTED FOR A TWO HOUR FLIGHT. AFTER FLYING OVER WEATHER MOST OF THE WAY AND OVERFLYING AN AIRPORT (HULMAN REGIONAL), HE CONTINUED ON WITH WEATHER CONDITIONS THAT FORCED COURSE AND ALTITUDE DEVIATIONS TO REMAIN VFR. THE PILOT STATED THAT BOTH RADIOS AND ONE VOR/ILS BECAME INOPERATIVE AT ABOUT 1550 CDT. A SHORT TIME LATER, HE SAW WHAT HE THOUGHT WAS AN AIRPORT, BUT WAS ACTUALLY A DRAG STRIP WITH OBSTRUCTIONS. HE ELECTED TO MAKE A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING. WHILE LANDING BETWEEN PYLONS AND LIGHT POLES, THE PILOT DID NOT SEE A DRAG STRIP TIMER THAT WAS MOUNTED ON A 4 FT POLE AND WAS IN HIS LANDING PATHWAY. THE LEFT WING STRUCK THE TIMER POLE, THEN VEERED AND COLLIDED WITH A LIGHT POLE.
Full Narrative
DURING A WEATHER BRIEFING, THE PILOT WAS ADVISED THAT THERE WERE THUNDERSTORMS IN THE AREA OF HIS DESTINATION AT ABOUT 1415 CDT, HE DEPARTED FOR A TWO HOUR FLIGHT. AFTER FLYING OVER WEATHER MOST OF THE WAY AND OVERFLYING AN AIRPORT (HULMAN REGIONAL), HE CONTINUED ON WITH WEATHER CONDITIONS THAT FORCED COURSE AND ALTITUDE DEVIATIONS TO REMAIN VFR. THE PILOT STATED THAT BOTH RADIOS AND ONE VOR/ILS BECAME INOPERATIVE AT ABOUT 1550 CDT. A SHORT TIME LATER, HE SAW WHAT HE THOUGHT WAS AN AIRPORT, BUT WAS ACTUALLY A DRAG STRIP WITH OBSTRUCTIONS. HE ELECTED TO MAKE A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING. WHILE LANDING BETWEEN PYLONS AND LIGHT POLES, THE PILOT DID NOT SEE A DRAG STRIP TIMER THAT WAS MOUNTED ON A 4 FT POLE AND WAS IN HIS LANDING PATHWAY. THE LEFT WING STRUCK THE TIMER POLE, THEN VEERED AND COLLIDED WITH A LIGHT POLE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:20 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-28
Tail NumberN2314F
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorWilliam C Howell
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A4A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 46 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind220° @ 8 kt
Visibility8 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point18 C / 0 C
Altimeter0