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Aircraft Strikes Utility Pole During Turbulent Approach (N3012L)

Lacon, IL, US

On March 5, 1985, a Piper PA-32-300 (registration N3012L) was involved in an aviation accident near Lacon, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude while encountering moderate turbulence during final approach, which resulted in the aircraft striking a utility pole. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-20Data APIEditorial standards

Moderate turbulence caused a significant altitude loss during final approach, leading the pilot to add power before the aircraft struck a utility pole near the runway.

What happened

The flight was in progress on final approach to runway 18 when the crew encountered moderate turbulence. This weather condition resulted in a vertical loss of altitude ranging between 200 and 300 feet. In response to the sudden descent, the pilot increased engine power and raised the pitch attitude to regain height.

However, before the aircraft could recover its previous altitude, it collided with a utility pole. The incident occurred during the final phase of the approach to the airport runway.

Findings

Weather data from the nearest reporting station, located 25 miles away, indicated winds from 250 degrees at 22 knots with gusts reaching 36 knots. These conditions contributed to the turbulence experienced by the aircraft during the critical landing phase.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude while encountering moderate turbulence during final approach, which resulted in the aircraft striking a utility pole.

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Piper PA-32 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Mar 1985 Piper PA-32-300 accident near Lacon, IL?

Moderate turbulence caused a significant altitude loss during final approach, leading the pilot to add power before the aircraft struck a utility pole near the runway.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Mar 1985 involved a Piper PA-32-300, registration N3012L, at Lacon, IL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude while encountering moderate turbulence during final approach, which resulted in the aircraft striking a utility pole.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X35864. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.