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NTSB Report

July 10, 2003 · Piper PA-28-161 · N125ER

Stuart Island, WA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 10, 2003
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Stuart Island, WA
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-161
Tail Number
N125ER
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA03LA131

The pilot intended to land on runway 09, but changed her mind and elected to land on runway 27 due to a helicopter being on an apron in close proximity to the approach end of runway 09. On a one mile final to runway 27 she could see the runway with no problem, but as she approached the threshold she encountered a sun glare condition which obstructed her vision. The aircraft to veered slightly left and impacted a 15 foot high, 6 inch diameter tree, spinning it 180 degrees to the left before coming to rest in an upright, nose low, tail high attitude.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance while maneuvering to land. Contributing factors included the tree and the sunglare condition.

Full Narrative

On July 9, 2003, approximately 2000 Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-28-161 single-engine airplane, N125ER, was substantially damaged when it impacted an object while landing at the Stuart Island Airpark (7WA5), Stuart Island, Washington. The airplane was registered to a private individual and operated by the pilot. The commercial pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, and a flight plan was not filed. The flight originated from the Snohomish Country Airport (Paine Field), Everett, Washington, at 1920. As reported on the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB form 6120.1/2), and in a written statement to the NTSB investigator-in-charge, the pilot reported that upon arrival at 7WA5 she prepared to land on runway 09. However, due to the hilly terrain between the downwind leg and the runway, she didn't observe a helicopter on the west end apron until on final approach. She then performed two consecutive go-arounds, attempting to contact the helicopter pilot while making the second approach, but there was no response. The pilot stated that she then made the decision to land east to west on runway 27, and performed a long one mile final with the runway "clearly" in view. As she approached the runway threshold, she was suddenly and totally blinded by the reflection of the sunglare off the water to the west. This resulted in the aircraft veering slightly left, impacting a tree with its left wing, and spinning the aircraft around 180 degrees before coming to rest in an upright, nose low, tail high attitude. It was reported the left wing spar and aileron were substantially damaged, the nose landing was separated, and both propeller blades were bent aft.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time20:00 PDT
Nearest AirportStuart Island Airpark (0nm)
Runway27
Runway Length2000 ft
Runway Width55 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-161
Tail NumberN125ER
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 72 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point52
Altimeter30.04 inHg
Observation Time02:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data