N47863

Substantial
None

PIPER PA-32R-300S/N: 32R-7880025

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, February 18, 2012
NTSB Number
ERA12CA190
Location
Swainsboro, GA
Event ID
20120221X42237
Coordinates
32.609165, -82.370002
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
7
Total Aboard
7

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot’s failure to maintain the proper glidepath during final approach in night visual meteorological conditions, which resulted in a collision with trees.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N47863
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
32R-7880025
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1977
Model / ICAO
PA-32R-300P32R
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
SALE REPORTED
Address
320 BOLENDER RD
Status
Deregistered
City
AUBURNDALE
State / Zip Code
FL 33823-2152
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that the airplane was approaching the destination airport on a base leg of the traffic pattern in night visual conditions. At that time, the runway lights were set on high intensity, which diluted the threshold lights. Additionally, the red localizer antenna hazard lights were distracting. The pilot further stated that he was too low and struck trees during final approach; however, the airplane landed on the runway without further incident. The pilot added that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the airplane. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector stated that the airplane impacted trees with both wings about 2,400 feet prior to the runway threshold. The impact with trees resulted in damage to the left wing spar, lower fuselage, and the stabilator. The runway was 6,021 feet long and was equipped with a localizer approach, but was not equipped with an instrument landing system approach. The runway was also not equipped with a visual approach slope indicator. The red localizer antenna hazard lights were located about 750 feet prior to the runway threshold. Following the accident, the airport manager checked all runway lighting and found them to be operational.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA12CA190