Summary
On August 14, 2013, a Cessna 172H (N8160L) was involved in an incident near Metaline Falls, WA. All 3 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a windsock pole while taxiing.
The pilot was taxiing to the north, on the west side of the runway outside of the runway markers in preparation for takeoff. While maneuvering the airplane around a pothole, he lost sight of the windsock pole in the clutter of trees lining the airport boundary. Subsequently, the left wing struck the windsock pole, resulting in substantial damage to the wing spar. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
This incident is documented in NTSB report WPR13CA371. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N8160L.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a windsock pole while taxiing.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot was taxiing to the north, on the west side of the runway outside of the runway markers in preparation for takeoff. While maneuvering the airplane around a pothole, he lost sight of the windsock pole in the clutter of trees lining the airport boundary. Subsequently, the left wing struck the windsock pole, resulting in substantial damage to the wing spar. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane 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# WPR13CA371