Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate obstacle clearance which resulted in an inflight collision with a tree.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was doing a low pass over his property when the airplane struck a tree and descended nose down to the ground. According to the pilot, he applied full power to clear a power line during which the airplane struck a tree. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions.
Source record
Factual narrative
On October 13, 1994 about 1140 eastern daylight time, N4878Z, a Piper PA-22-108 airplane, a personal flight, collided with a tree during a low pass near Beans Cove, Pennsylvania. Visual meteorological conditions existed. The certificated private pilot and passenger were seriously injured. The airplane was destroyed. The flight was operated under 14 CFR Part 91. According to the pilot, "I came through making a low pass. I gave full power to climb out, climbed over a power line and trees at that point. I started to level out, and at that point, the right side hit a tree top that I had not seen. The plane nosed over and ended nose first on the ground." The FAA interviewed the pilot, and a witness of the accident. According to the FAA, the pilot reported the low pass was over his property. He also stated the engine operated satisfactory. The witness indicated "the airplane landed, flew again, then hit a tree. -