Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
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.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
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.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI03LA180