Summary
On August 19, 2011, a Cessna 170B (N2789D) was involved in an accident near Jefferson, OR. 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 failure to maintain clearance from power transmission lines during the landing approach into the sun.
The private pilot was attempting to perform a landing into a grass field just prior to sunset. The landing approach was performed to the west, towards the sun. During the final approach, about 30 feet above ground level, he became aware of power transmission lines directly ahead. The airplane struck the lines and descended to the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage during the accident sequence, and the pilot and passenger sustained minor injuries. According to the United States Naval Observatory Astronomical Applications Department, the altitude and azimuth of the sun at 1940 in the closest town were 5 degrees and 283.4 degrees, respectively.
This accident is documented in NTSB report WPR11CA397. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N2789D.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power transmission lines during the landing approach into the sun.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The private pilot was attempting to perform a landing into a grass field just prior to sunset. The landing approach was performed to the west, towards the sun. During the final approach, about 30 feet above ground level, he became aware of power transmission lines directly ahead. The airplane struck the lines and descended to the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage during the accident sequence, and the pilot and passenger sustained minor injuries. According to the United States Naval Observatory Astronomical Applications Department, the altitude and azimuth of the sun at 1940 in the closest town were 5 degrees and 283.4 degrees, respectively. The pilot stated that this was the first time he had landed at this location, but he had both overflown, and walked along the field on multiple occasions prior. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR11CA397