On May 7, 1988, a Piper PA-24-250 (registration N6762P) operated by James A.starrett was involved in an aviation accident near Blairstown, NJ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain visual separation from a glider, which resulted in striking an antenna tower during the final approach phase. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot following another aircraft on final approach for runway 7 yielded left to a glider and failed to see an antenna tower, striking it before landing safely.
What happened
The flight was operating on final approach for runway 7, following behind another airplane. During this phase of the approach, the pilot's attention was diverted by a glider maneuvering in the vicinity. To maintain a safe and comfortable distance from the glider, the pilot executed a left turn. This maneuver caused the pilot to fail to observe an antenna tower located directly in the aircraft's path.
The airplane subsequently struck the antenna tower. Despite this impact, the aircraft continued its inbound flight path and landed without any further incident.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain visual separation from a glider, which resulted in striking an antenna tower during the final approach phase.
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