N8388Y

On December 14, 1994, approximately 1720 hours Pacific standard time (pst), a Piper PA-28-161, N8388Y, operated by Auburn Flight Services, and being flown by a private pilot, was substantially damaged during a collision with high tension power lines while on approach to runway 16 at the Auburn Municipal Airport, Auburn, Washington. The pilot was uninjured. Visual dark night meteorological conditions existed at the time, and no flight plan had been filed. The flight, which was personal, was to have been operated under 14CFR91, and originated from the Auburn airport at 1700 hours.

An FAA inspector examined the aircraft and interviewed the pilot following the accident. He reported that the aircraft impacted the lower catenary of the power lines at a point approximately 83 feet above ground and 1700 feet north of the runway threshold on the extended centerline (refer to photographs 1/2).

The pilot reported to the FAA inspector that she was low on the VASI to runway 16 during her approach and that she struck the power lines (also refer to NTSB Form 6120.1/2 attached). Following the wire strike, she maintained control of the aircraft and continued her approach to a landing on runway 16 during which the aircraft ran off the runway.