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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

June 24, 2003 · Cessna 170B · N4478B

Widener, AR

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 24, 2003
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Widener, AR
Aircraft
Cessna 170B
Tail Number
N4478B
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI03LA180

The airplane impacted wires and subsequently the terrain while on approach to a private airstrip. The pilot reported he was at a low altitude and saw wires in front of the airplane. The pilot noted he attempted to maneuver to avoid the wires but "clipped them anyway." The pilot stated he attempted to continue landing and stalled the airplane several feet above the ground. The pilot reported the main landing gear impacted the terrain first and the airplane subsequently rolled over. The wires were not marked for increased visibility.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the wires and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed, resulting in a stall. A factor contributing to the accident was the unmarked wires.

Full Narrative

On June 24, 2003, about 1230 central daylight time, a Cessna 170B, N4478B, piloted by a private pilot, sustained substantial damage when it impacted a wire and subsequently the terrain while on approach to a private airstrip near Widener, Arkansas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The pilot and his passenger reported no injuries. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was not operating on a flight plan. The local flight originated from West Memphis Municipal Airport, West Memphis, Arkansas, at 1200. The pilot reported he was practicing landing on a private grass strip. The pilot noted he got too low and saw wires in front of the airplane. The pilot stated he "pulled up to try and clear [the] wires, but clipped wires anyway." The pilot reported he attempted to continue landing and stalled the airplane several feet above the ground. The pilot noted the airplane impacted the terrain main landing gear first, and subsequently rolled over. The wires were not marked for increased visibility. The pilot reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures prior to the in-flight collision with the wires.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:30 CDT
Nearest AirportPRIVATE (0nm N)
Runway18
Runway Length2000 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 170B
Tail NumberN4478B
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-300A · Reciprocating · 145
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 43 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind130° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F
Altimeter30.04 inHg
Observation Time17:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data