N8160L

Substantial
None

CESSNA 172HS/N: 17256360

Accident Details

Date
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
NTSB Number
WPR13CA371
Location
Metaline Falls, WA
Event ID
20130814X84604
Coordinates
48.837776, -117.283607
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
3
Total Aboard
3

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a windsock pole while taxiing.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
CESSNA
Serial Number
17256360
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1967
Model / ICAO
172HC172
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
4
FAA Model
172H

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
GARCIA GEOFF M
Address
PO BOX 508
City
TECUMSEH
State / Zip Code
OK 74873-0508
Country
United States

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