N928VS

Substantial
Minor

SWANSON TIGER MOTH 80S/N: TM44

Accident Details

Date
Friday, May 17, 2013
NTSB Number
WPR13CA235
Location
Lynden, WA
Event ID
20130517X02521
Coordinates
48.955833, -122.458053
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees during final approach and his obscured vision due to the sun glare.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N928VS
Make
SWANSON
Serial Number
TM44
Year Built
2007
Model / ICAO
TIGER MOTH 80

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
KIRNER JOSEPH H
Address
409 17TH ST
Status
Deregistered
City
LYNDEN
State / Zip Code
WA 98264-1218
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that following an uneventful flight, he noted that the wind favored landing to the west, into the sun. During final approach to the runway, the pilot's view of the runway was obscured by the sun glare, however, he "thought I would get through the blind spot" and elected not to abort the landing. Subsequently, the right wing of the airplane struck a tree and the airplane impacted the ground, which resulted in structural damage to both the upper and lower left and right wings, and forward portion of the fuselage. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Official sunset was about 17 minutes after the time of the accident.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR13CA235