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NTSB investigation record

WPR09CA288

Completed

Piper Pa-18-150· N3761Z

Date
June 14, 2009
Location
Hell's Canyon, OR
Conditions
VMC
Record
Published September 25, 2020

Primary finding

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees.

Investigator assessment

Analysis narrative

The pilot reported that while on final approach to the runway, he turned slightly to the right to better align the airplane with the runway. As the airplane crossed the approach end of the runway, the right wing struck a small tree. Subsequently the airplane yawed to the right and impacted the ground resulting in structural damage to the left wing and fuselage. The pilot reported no mechanical anomalies with the engine or airplane flight control system prior to the accident.

Source record

Factual narrative

The pilot reported that while on final approach to the runway, he turned slightly to the right to better align the airplane with the runway. As the airplane crossed the approach end of the runway, the right wing struck a small tree. Subsequently the airplane yawed to the right and impacted the ground resulting in structural damage to the left wing and fuselage. The pilot reported no mechanical anomalies with the engine or airplane flight control system prior to the accident.

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