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Wing Strike During Low Approach to Private Airstrip (N1ZT)

Hilltown, PA, US

On July 26, 1990, a Cessna 180 (registration N1ZT) operated by Joe A. Bawduniak was involved in an aviation accident near Hilltown, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT RECEIVING TRAINING MISJUDGED THE AIRPLANE'S DISTANCE FROM THE RUNWAY AND ALTITUDE ABOVE THE TREES. IN ADDITION, THE CFI FAILED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SUPERVISION. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a training flight for a biennial flight review, the left wing struck trees on approach to a private airstrip, causing the airplane to veer left and crash nose-down, resulting in substantial damage.

Incident Overview

A commercial-rated pilot, under the supervision of a certified flight instructor (CFI), was conducting training in preparation for a biennial flight review (BFR). The accident occurred during a low-level approach to a private airstrip.

Sequence of Events

As the aircraft descended on the approach, the left wing dipped and struck trees situated at the approach end of the airstrip. Following the wing strike, the airplane veered left and crashed nose-down with the left wing low. The aircraft sustained substantial damage as a result of the impact.

Instructor's Account

The CFI reported that the aircraft was on the proper glide path but positioned slightly left of the centerline. The CFI noted that the pilot was correcting this deviation, so the instructor did not intervene verbally. The CFI stated: "... but a little left of centerline ... (pilot) was correcting so (I) didn't say anything."

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 26 Jul 1990 Cessna 180 accident near Hilltown, PA?

During a training flight for a biennial flight review, the left wing struck trees on approach to a private airstrip, causing the airplane to veer left and crash nose-down, resulting in substantial damage.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 26 Jul 1990 involved a Cessna 180, registration N1ZT, operated by Joe A. Bawduniak, at Hilltown, PA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT RECEIVING TRAINING MISJUDGED THE AIRPLANE'S DISTANCE FROM THE RUNWAY AND ALTITUDE ABOVE THE TREES. IN ADDITION, THE CFI FAILED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SUPERVISION.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X23812. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.