Summary
On July 15, 2000, a Piper PA-22-160 (N8768D) was involved in an accident near Lancaster, CA. The accident resulted in 2 minor injuries. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot's inadequate compensation for gusty winds conditions that resulted in the collision with a power line during final approach.
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.
This accident is documented in NTSB report LAX00LA267. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N8768D.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's inadequate compensation for gusty winds conditions that resulted in the collision with a power line during final approach.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
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.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# LAX00LA267